MIGRATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE - REPORT FINDINGS
19th August 2009
Following an extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published their report today, 19 August 2009.
The MAC had been asked by the Government to offer advice on the following questions: -
- Is there an economic case for restricting Tier 2 to shortage occupations only?
- What is the committee's assessment of the economic contribution of dependants and their role in the UK labour market?
- What further changes for Tier 1 should there be in 2010/11 given the change in the UK's economic circumstances?
MAIN FINDINGS
The MAC has today published a report in relation to the first two questions posed by the Government. The report found that "the structure of Tier 2 is well designed for achieving its economic aims and for encouraging immigration to adjust to changing demand over the economic cycle". The MAC does not consider that Tier 2 needs to be substantially revised in light of the recession.
The following recommendations have been made:
- The qualifying period for the Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) route with the company overseas be extended from 6 months to 12 months;
- The Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) route should not lead to a right to permanent residence;
- The Tier 2 (General) advertising period be increased to four weeks for all jobs;
- A requirement that migrant workers from outside the EU must attract an annual income of £20,000 and workers without qualifications earn at least £32,000;
- Masters degrees to attract 15 points in Tier 2, instead of the current 10 points;
- A new category be established for key public service workers (attracting an extra 5 points under PBS);
- That the Government gives consideration to whether the resources currently devoted to enforcement of the Intra-Company Transfer route is sufficient; and
- The degree of transparency around enforcement of the system be increased.
For an online copy of the report, please click on the link below