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<p>The independent Migration Advisory Committee recommended retaining the existing
£30,000 salary threshold for skilled workers.</p><p> </p><p>The Government agrees
with the Migration Advisory Committee’s view that the salary thresholds should ensure
that migrants are raising the level of productivity in the UK, making a positive contribution
to public finances and are not putting downward pressure on earnings. This salary
threshold is an important control to ensure migration is managed at sustainable levels.
However, before confirming the level of a future salary threshold the Government will
engage extensively with businesses and employers, consider wider evidence of the impact
on the economy, and take into account current pay levels in the UK economy.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government currently maintains a Shortage Occupation List which is used
to give priority to individuals within the highly-skilled route cap, and to exempt
migrants from minimum salary thresholds required for settlement if they are in a shortage
occupation. The Home Secretary has asked the Migration Advisory Committee to review
the current Shortage Occupation List.</p><p> </p><p>The Migration Advisory Committee
will be commissioned to provide an annual report on key aspects of the UK’s immigration
system, including to advise on whether detailed arrangements such as the levels of
salary thresholds, and the Shortage Occupation List, need to be revised in light of
economic and social circumstances, and any emerging or longer-term trends that may
impact the labour market. The Government will also invite the Migration Advisory Committee
to examine the case for a Wales specific Shortage Occupation List.</p>
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