UK – Consultation on measures to curb immigration will include a review of dependants’ working rights
11 June 2015The UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, has announced a new blueprint being drawn up to reduce demand for migrant labour. Speaking in parliament on 10 June, the PM confirmed that the Home Secretary had asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise on reducing work migration from outside the EU, while making sure Britain is open to the best talent that will help the country succeed.
Among the measures to be considered will be a re-focus and time limit on skills shortages; a levy on Tier 2 visas to fund apprenticeships; tightening up the intra-company transfer route, including the immigration health surcharge; and raising minimum salary levels that economic migrants have to be paid. Restrictions on the automatic right of Tier 2 dependants to work will also be included in the review.
The MAC is expected to deliver the salary threshold recommendations before the autumn and the rest of the proposals by the end of the year.
Action: Permits Foundation will take part in relevant stakeholder meetings and will make a written submission underpinning the importance of Tier 2 dependants being allowed to work.
Further info:
In 2009 and 2010, the MAC also considered a review of dependant working rights. Permits Foundation submitted evidence at that time and the measures remained unchanged.
Read more on our submissions in 2010
Read the MAC 2010 report on Limits on Tier 1 and Tier 2 for 2011/12 and supporting policies
Read more on our submission in 2009
Read the 2009 MAC Analysis of the Points Based System, Tier 2 and dependants, following consultations with stakeholders. (Permits Foundation is quoted in the report.)
