MAC endorses highly skilled migrants moving to the UK
December 07 2009 by Liam Clifford
The UK Border Agency has revealed the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) regarding Tier 1 of the UK visa points-based system.
Despite
the recession, the MAC supports the welcoming of highly skilled immigrants to
work in the UK. However, it has recommended that some alterations be made to the
current programme.
The MAC says that migrants with bachelor degrees
should be allowed to move to the UK under Tier 1 providing their salary is high
in their native country. It also recommends a rapid and thorough review of the
salary multiplier applied to immigrants’ salaries when they begin working in the
UK.
In addition, the MAC says the pay threshold for Tier 1 immigrants
should be increased, with no points earned for people with salaries below
£24,000. However, the committee added that people with professionals
qualifications - such as those for law and accountancy - should be regarded as
having master's degrees.
Successful work visa applicants under the Tier 1
scheme should initially be granted a UK visa to live in the UK for two years, as
opposed to the current three years, claims the MAC. However, they should also be
offered the chance to extend this to three years if they are in highly skilled
employment.
UK immigration minister Phil Woolas responded to the
recommendations stating, “the MAC has delivered a robust and thorough report,
and the government will consider it carefully over the coming weeks.”
See the latest Immigration News
