Request for Feedback on Shortage Occupations

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].