United Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee to Assess Salary Thresholds, Temporary Shortage List Occupations

The UK government has asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to assess the minimum salary thresholds regime, specifically whether the different salary thresholds for Health & Care Worker visas and the Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes should continue to exist (and if so, whether the rates should change); what, if any, discounts should apply to salary requirements; whether the current approach to occupational going rates should change; and how frequently salary requirements should be updated. It has also asked the MAC to assess which occupations may be eligible for inclusion on the forthcoming Temporary Shortage List (which will replace the current Immigration Salary List and an interim Temporary Shortage List – both of which are to be phased out by December 31, 2026 at the latest ), both in the context of delivering infrastructure goals, as well as advancing the country’s domestic labour and skills strategy and managing the risk of exploitation of foreign workers. As part of this, the MAC was asked to assess appropriate visa terms and conditions (including time limits and quotas) for such roles.  

The MAC’s recommendations are only effective if the government formally accepts them. Until then, employers are bound by current immigration rules. However, the MAC’s recommendations are highly influential and most of its recommendations are typically accepted by the government shortly after they are made. 

The review for the salary threshold would be completed within six months, and for the Temporary Shortage List within 12 months in a phased review.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact your Fragomen immigration professional or send an email to [email protected].