The Government plans to introduce a new immigration system on 1 January 2021 – the day after the Brexit transition period ends.
In preparation for this the Government has asked the Migration Advisory Committee to compile a new Shortage Occupation List. Under the new immigration system it will be possible for employers to sponsor migrant workers in medium-skilled occupations (RQF levels 3 to 5) so the MAC will be focusing on these occupations.
At the moment one of the main advantages of sponsoring a migrant worker in a shortage occupation is that the resident labour market test for a Tier 2 (General) visa does not apply. The Government has said that it will abolish the resident labour market test but some other advantages will remain. If the job is in a shortage occupation there will be a lower minimum salary for the visa, as well as a lower minimum salary for indefinite to remain.
The MAC has launched a call for evidence – in other words a public consultation. If you employ, or plan to recruit, medium-skilled migrant workers the MAC wants to hear your views.
The link to the consultation is here. The deadline for responding is 24 June 2020.
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