MIGRATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Report due 19th August 2009

7th August 2009

Following an extensive consultation with stakeholders, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will publish their report on Wednesday 19th August 2009.

The MAC had been asked by the Government to offer advice on the following questions:-

1. Is there an economic case for restricting Tier 2 to shortage occupations only?

2. What is the committee's assessment of the economic contribution made by the dependants of Points Based System migrants and their role in the labour market?

3. What further changes for the criteria for Tier 1 should there be in 2010/11 given the change in economic circumstances?

It is likely that the report will contain a number of recommendations and suggestions. In the past the Government has implemented recommendations made by MAC.

Whilst the full content of the report is not known and the outcome is uncertain, possible recommendations include:-

1. Increasing the advertising and recruitment period under Tier 2 (General) from the current two weeks to four weeks.

2. Limiting Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) leave to remain to a period of three years and requiring a resident labour market test if an extension is required beyond the three year mark.

3. Disqualifying time spent in the UK with leave to remain as a Tier 2 (ICT) migrant from contributing to the 5 year residence requirement for indefinite leave to remain. The recommendation could be to limit eligibility to Tier 2 (general).

4. Increasing the number of points allocated to Masters Degrees under Tier 2.

5. Removing the right to work for dependant family members of Tier 2 migrants.

Magrath LLP will provide full details of the content of the report as soon as it is made available on the 19th August.