The independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised
that a post-Brexit immigration system should make it easier for
high-skilled workers to migrate to the UK while continuing to
limit access for lower-skilled workers.
The MAC has assessed the impact of EEA migration on the UK,
looking at impacts on the labour market, productivity, investment
and training, prices, communities, public funding and wellbeing.
They have made recommendations to Government on the future UK
immigration system after the end of the implementation period in
2020.
In its report published today (Tuesday, 18
September), EEA migration in the UK: Final
report, the MAC also said there should be no preference
given to EU citizens in the future immigration system.
The MAC has been clear that its advice was based on what would
make the most desirable migration system, assuming that system
was drafted in isolation and not included in any Brexit agreement
with the EU.
MAC Chair Professor Alan Manning said:
“Our recommendations to the Government on a future work
immigration system post-implementation period are designed to
benefit the resident UK population.
“The MAC’s core recommendation is for the UK to be more open to
skilled workers from around the world and to limit access to
low-skilled workers.
“High-skilled workers bring clear benefits to the UK economy and
should be actively encouraged.”
The MAC said that immigration policy should favour high-skilled
workers, as there is clear evidence they bring benefits to the
UK’s public finances, innovation and productivity.
The report concludes there is no need for a specific work
migration route for low-skilled workers, with the exception of a
Seasonal Agricultural Workers scheme.
The Committee recommended that any low-skill route should be
based on existing Youth Mobility Schemes rather than sector-based
schemes.
The report’s other recommendations include:
- · Abolishing the cap on Tier 2
(General) visas;
- · Open Tier 2 to medium-skill
jobs (RQF3 and above);
- · Retain the salary levels
required for Tier 2 visas;
- · Streamline the Tier 2
licensing and application process as much as possible, paying
particular attention to how small and medium-sized business can
access the system;
- · Monitor and evaluate the
impact of migration policies;
- · Pay more attention to managing
the consequences of migration at a local level;
- · A single migration system for
all of the UK.
Notes to editors
- In July
2017, the Government commissioned the MAC to look at the current
patterns of EEA migration into the UK and to assess the impact of
these migrants.
- The
MAC’s report can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/migration-advisory-committee-mac-report-eea-migration
- The
MAC provides independent, evidence-based advice to the Government
on migration issues.
-
Following the publication of this report the MAC will begin work
on a Government commission to review the Shortage Occupation
List by spring 2019.
