Assessment of post-Brexit migration rules a welcome move

The Bevan Foundation welcomes the Home Secretary’s decision to commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to assess whether post-Brexit migration rules should be different in Wales.

The inquiry follows Bevan Foundation calls for a greater ‘regional’ approach to immigration policy, and our warnings that that the proposed minimum £30,000 salary threshold for skilled workers could damage the Welsh economy.

We’ve argued that without regional variations, some junior doctors and nurses would not being able to work in our hospitals and students who have graduated in Wales may not be able to take up graduate jobs. Overall, we’ve said that the salary threshold must reflect the Wales’ labour market to ensure EU workers continue to do the essential work they have been doing.

The Bevan Foundation is urging the MAC to recognise that Wales is not just a ‘region’ but has a devolved government that is responsible for economic development, skills, health and education. The effects of a salary threshold which doesn’t take into account of the Welsh position will be felt in each one of these areas.

We also recommend that going forward MAC includes an expert with a deep understanding of Wales.

Read more about our work on immigration policy »