The UK government has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review core parts of the work visa system, including salary thresholds, occupation lists, and visa conditions, with changes likely to impact employers across multiple sectors.
What’s Under Review?
The MAC will assess:
- Whether lower salary thresholds for Health & Care Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Scale-up visas should continue, and if the rates should change.
- Whether current salary discounts (e.g. for new entrants or shortage roles) are still appropriate.
- If the system for occupation-specific salary rates needs reform.
- How often should salary thresholds be updated
A six-month review will cover salary thresholds, while a separate 12-month phased review will replace the current Immigration Salary List and interim Temporary Shortage List with a new Temporary Shortage List by the end of 2026.
Why It Matters
This review could reshape visa eligibility, salary levels, and fast-track occupations. The new shortage list will consider labour needs, infrastructure goals, and worker protection, and may include new rules around visa quotas, time limits, and conditions for listed roles.
What Employers Should Do
While the MAC’s recommendations aren’t immediately binding, most are quickly adopted by the government. Employers should:
- Stay up to date on developments.
- Assess how changes may affect recruitment plans.
- Ensure compliance with current rules until new policies are enacted.
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