The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a full review of the Shortage Occupation Lists for the UK.
Archaeologists and architects are now included in the Shortage Occupation List, which is a big victory for the heritage sector. However, there are other heritage specialists, such as conservators and other highs skills workers, who haven’t been included, so we will continue our efforts in lobbying for their reconsideration, as well as for lowering the salary cap for heritage professionals.
CIfA [Alliance member] welcomed the inclusion of archaeologists in the SOL and will be producing a more detailed statement on the MAC report and its implications soon, but in the meantime you can find more details about their policy position on this issue here.
FAME [Alliance member] reported on this advocacy win too, based upon the evidence they provided, in cooperation with CBA and CIfA. You can read their full response here.
RIBA [Alliance member]’s President, Ben Derbyshire’s response expressed similar views – “It is encouraging that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has accepted our recommendation to include architects on the Shortage Occupation List. This is a positive development for architects trying to navigate the UK’s complex and burdensome immigration system.
We will continue to urge the MAC to drop their £30,000 suggested salary threshold, as we are concerned that it will lock out young talent, especially outside of London. This is a critical time for our country and our sector – we urgently need an approach to immigration that attracts a broad range of international talent.”
Read the RIBA press release here.
Our updated Heritage and Immigration Briefing is now available to download on our website, and includes our recommendations for the shortage occupation list. (The listings in black were submitted to the MAC, whereas the ones in blue were later additions- some of which may have been flagged by Heritage Alliance members).