Migrant Advisory Committee warns government on changes to salary thresholds for skilled migrants

The government should think twice before raising the minimum salary requirements for skilled migrant workers, an expert committee said today.

 

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which advises the government on migration issues, published its "early advice" today on reforming so-called "Tier 2" visas for skilled workers. 

 

Sir David Metcalf, who chairs the committee, said: "We urge the government to be cautious in making any significant changes to the salary thresholds at this stage because they should not be considered in isolation."

 

"Salary thresholds are closely linked with other issues the government has asked the MAC to consider in its wider review, including proposals for an immigration skills charge on migrant workers."

 

Chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne proposed a new "skills levy" on employers giving jobs to foreign workers in his emergency summer budget last month.

 

The MAC is due to publish a wider review in December.