Home Secretary Commissions the Migration Advisory Committee on Status Post Brexit
July 27, 2017

Country / Territory
The Home Secretary has published a Commissioning Letter to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that asks the Committee to look at the UK’s immigration system and the impacts of the UK’s separation from the European Union on the labor market. The Home Secretary has asked for the findings to be published by September 2018, but has requested interim reports.
The extensive report will encompass two branches of concern: (1) EU and EEA Migration; and (2) Aligning the UK Immigration System with a Modern Industrial Strategy. Some of the key areas that will be covered include the following:
- Current patterns of EU and EEA migration by sector, skill level, assignment duration and expected future trends;
- Economic and social costs and benefits of such migration;
- Potential impact of future reductions in EU and EEA migration;
- Current impact of immigration on the competitiveness of UK industry, and
- Amendment of the shortage occupation list to include shortages in lower-skilled roles.
The MAC will make recommendations to the Home Secretary by September 2018 and will consider the request to publish interim reports throughout this period.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Although there is no immediate impact on employers and foreign nationals in the United Kingdom, the MAC’s findings will have a tangible impact on the way the UK’s immigration system looks post Brexit and in shaping the role of migration in the economy and wider society. The Commissioning Letter emphasizes that the United Kingdom will remain a hub for international talent, and that a new system must be aligned with a modern industrial strategy that meets the needs of the economy while recognizing that free movement will end as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
The MAC's letter in response confirms that a call for evidence will be released in the coming weeks, detailing how employers and other stakeholders can get involved.
Fragomen is preparing a more detailed review of the MAC’s remit along with practical advice for employers.
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].
Country / Territory
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
