Further to our
communication, the Secretary of State has requested that the
Migration Advisory Committee ("MAC") advise on the
following issues:
- What further changes to Tier 1 of the Points Based System
should there be in 2010/11, given the changing economic
circumstances?
- Is there an economic case for restricting Tier 2 to shortage
occupations?
- What is the MAC's assessment of the economic contribution
made by the dependants of the Points Based System and their role in
the labour market?
A Conceptual Paper and Call for Evidence was
published on 30 April.
The MAC has been asked to report on the first point by the end
of October 2009 and the second and third by the end of July. Whilst
they wish to respond to the economic conditions, they are mindful
that they must act to 'secure the UK's long-term economic
prosperity and respond to the economic upswing when it occurs'.
Factors to be considered include employment, unemployment,
earnings, GDP, net fiscal
