Migration Advisory Committee Publishes Call for Evidence

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/macreports/

The completed proforma should be returned directly to the MAC by 25^th April 2008.

The MAC is a newly established non-departmental public body set up to provide transparent, independent and evidence-based advice to Government on where skilled labour market shortages exist that can sensibly be filled by migration.  The initial task for the MAC is to produce shortage occupation lists for the UK, and Scotland, by June 2008 for use alongside the launch of Tier 2 of the new Points Based System for migration.

The shortage occupation lists will comprise skilled occupations where, in the MAC’s view, there are shortages that can sensibly be filled by enabling employers to recruit migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).  The MAC has published an interim report on its website outlining its intended approach to determining which occupations should be on the list.  

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/macreports/

At the same time the MAC is issuing a call for evidence in order to seek views on the proposed methodology and to invite evidence to be submitted on occupations that stakeholders believe should be included on the list.

The three key criteria to consider are:

• whether an occupation is “skilled” at NVQ level 3 or above;
• whether there is a“shortage” of skilled people to do the job within the UK and wider European Economic Area; and,
• whether it is “sensible” for migrants to fill those occupations or job categories which are deemed to be skilled and where evidence of a shortage has been established.