The situation
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is inviting stakeholders to provide their feedback on current shortage occupations in the United Kingdom.
A closer look
- Who can provide feedback. The MAC is inviting businesses, employers, recruiters and any other stakeholders with relevant knowledge, expertise and experience to provide their comments on current labor shortages in the United Kingdom.
- How to provide feedback. Interested parties can submit feedback through an online form.
Impact
If new occupations are added to the shortage occupation list, companies would benefit from streamlined immigration processing for these occupations as labor market testing would no longer be required and they would be given extra priority through the Tier 2 limit (the monthly cap on overseas sponsorship). The current consultation offers an opportunity for businesses to report any difficulties in recruiting the people and skills they need.
Background
The UK government requested that MAC review the shortage occupation list in June of this year.
Listed shortage occupations are not subject to labor market testing, which is typically required for Tier 2 (General) applications depending on the salary level.
These types of consultations are not uncommon in Europe, with Ireland launching a similar effort in October.
Looking ahead
The request for information is open until January 6, 2019. The MAC will then review submissions and compile a recommendation to the UK government on potentially amending the shortage occupation list.
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
Article
Knowledge Management Director Ana Sofia Walsh and Senior Client Engagement Manager Soraya Driessen examine the European Commission’s EU Inc. proposal and its potential to reshape corporate structures across the EU, highlighting the resulting complexities and unresolved questions for immigration, work authorization and cross-border workforce mobility.
Media mentions
Partner Ali Haider discussed how flexible residency pathways, strong infrastructure and access to healthcare are continuing to drive interest among retirees looking to relocate to the UAE.
Fragomen on immigration
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes how post‑midterm US business immigration will shift toward heightened enforcement, worker‑protection scrutiny and cross‑agency oversight, urging employers to align hiring practices, sponsorship decisions and documentation with consistent, defensible workforce strategies.
Media mentions
Awards
Fragomen is named “Law Firm of the Year” for Immigration Law by Best Law Firms™ - Australia and receives National and Regional Tier 1 rankings in Immigration Law.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses the broad application of a USCIS memo to adjustment of status applicants and notes that H- and L-visa holders may have a somewhat easier burden in demonstrating factors that support favorable discretion.
Article
Senior Manager Alice Spaull and Associate Stephanie Fitton examine the evolving UK immigration and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for athletes, their support teams and associated guests attending the Commonwealth Games 2026, highlighting key compliance risks and the importance of early travel planning.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses a recent USCIS memo that appears to signal greater caution in how adjudicators assess adjustment of status cases rather than establishing a new legal standard.
Fragomen news
Video
Senior Manager Sumejja Handzo outlines Germany’s health insurance requirements for visas and residence permits, including coverage options, documentation considerations and key compliance requirements for foreign nationals relocating to Germany.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights how US visa appointment backlogs and limited availability for B visas are shaping international travel planning for the upcoming World Cup.
Article
Knowledge Management Director Ana Sofia Walsh and Senior Client Engagement Manager Soraya Driessen examine the European Commission’s EU Inc. proposal and its potential to reshape corporate structures across the EU, highlighting the resulting complexities and unresolved questions for immigration, work authorization and cross-border workforce mobility.
Media mentions
Partner Ali Haider discussed how flexible residency pathways, strong infrastructure and access to healthcare are continuing to drive interest among retirees looking to relocate to the UAE.
Fragomen on immigration
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes how post‑midterm US business immigration will shift toward heightened enforcement, worker‑protection scrutiny and cross‑agency oversight, urging employers to align hiring practices, sponsorship decisions and documentation with consistent, defensible workforce strategies.
Media mentions
Awards
Fragomen is named “Law Firm of the Year” for Immigration Law by Best Law Firms™ - Australia and receives National and Regional Tier 1 rankings in Immigration Law.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses the broad application of a USCIS memo to adjustment of status applicants and notes that H- and L-visa holders may have a somewhat easier burden in demonstrating factors that support favorable discretion.
Article
Senior Manager Alice Spaull and Associate Stephanie Fitton examine the evolving UK immigration and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for athletes, their support teams and associated guests attending the Commonwealth Games 2026, highlighting key compliance risks and the importance of early travel planning.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses a recent USCIS memo that appears to signal greater caution in how adjudicators assess adjustment of status cases rather than establishing a new legal standard.
Fragomen news
Video
Senior Manager Sumejja Handzo outlines Germany’s health insurance requirements for visas and residence permits, including coverage options, documentation considerations and key compliance requirements for foreign nationals relocating to Germany.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights how US visa appointment backlogs and limited availability for B visas are shaping international travel planning for the upcoming World Cup.
