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It was announced on 17 June 2019 that the UK Government will start discussions with 5 new advisory groups in preparation for the new skills-based immigration system that will be introduced following the UK’s departure from the European Union. This forms part of the year-long engagement program that the Home Office is running to consult on the proposed new system.

Background

In December 2018 the Home Secretary set out plans for a new single, skills-based immigration system. The full version of the white paper can be found . In summary the proposals are:

1. That after the UK’s exit and following the Implementation Period, the UK will end the current free movement system imposed by the EU so that the UK Immigration Rules will apply to EU and non-EU migrants alike in a single skills-based system;
2. The proposed rules will be flexible and provide for different treatment for certain migrants, in ways justified on objective grounds such as skill, immigration and security risk, and international or bilateral agreements;
3. Any proposals will comply with any future arrangements agreed between the UK and the EU and any GAT Mode 4 commitments; and
4. To expand the youth mobility arrangements.

The five new groups

The details of the five new groups can be found , they are:

• The Employers’ Advisory Group which is made up of key employers;
• The Education Sector Advisory Group representing universities and colleges;
• The Crossing the Border Advisory Group, which is split into air, maritime and rail;
• The National Advisory Group representing regions across the UK; and
• The Vulnerability Advisory Group who represent organisations who help vulnerable people.

Likely key areas of the consultation

1. Whether to remove the resident labour market test for highly skilled workers;
2. The policy for temporary workers from Europe and other low-risk areas;
3. Caps on total numbers of visas; and
4. How the skills thresholds are designed and at what levels to set them.

How can you get involved?

If you are a member of the organisations listed above then your organisation will be asked to meet on a regular basis with representatives from the Home Office to discuss the proposed changes. Given the wide ranging implications of the proposed new system, we would recommend all employers relying heavily on migrant workers to get involved.