
The situation
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) issued an interim report summarising stakeholder concerns about European Economic Area (EEA) workers leaving the United Kingdom after Brexit.
Background
The MAC was asked to review the impact of Brexit on the UK labor market in July 2017. The MAC issued a call for evidence the same month, requesting stakeholder feedback on the potential social and economic impact of Brexit. The intent is for MAC to provide an evidence base for the design of a new migration system post Brexit. This is the first interim report that summarizes data collated to date.
A closer look
The data collated from employers and other stakeholders included the following:
- Employer concerns. Employers from various sectors voiced the following concerns about an expected decrease in EEA workers resulting from Brexit:
- Necessary skills for both high- and low-skilled positions are scarce in the UK workforce;
- Supply of UK staff is insufficient as unemployment is currently very low; and
- EEA workers are more reliable and flexible; and
- EEA workers are more willing to take up unappealing work than UK workers.
- Regional impact. Scotland is expected to face the biggest impact from the decrease in EEA workers. Ireland expressed strong concerns on the border infrastructure with Northern Ireland.
Impact
Although the report does not contain any conclusions, it does give an indication of what the MAC will consider in their final report. Namely, this includes impacts on wages, unemployment, productivity and as a result prices, training, the provision of services, public finances, community cohesion and well being generally in the United Kingdom, as well as the impacts by region.
Looking ahead
The MAC report will provide recommendations for the design of a new migration system after the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020.
The final report containing full recommendations is due by September 2018.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.