Responding to the release of the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) report on ‘A Points-Based System and Salary Thresholds for Immigration’, FSB NI Head of External Affairs, Roger Pollen has called for the Government to ensure the future migration system is fit for purpose for the Northern Ireland economy.
Commenting, Roger Pollen said:
“The suggested reduction in the salary threshold for employing skilled migrant workers from £30,000 to £25,600 is a step in the right direction, however there remains a need for a bespoke system for Northern Ireland.
“The report correctly identifies that the economic position of Northern Ireland is ‘distinctive’, and that the matter of a specific salary threshold is worthy of ‘future consideration’. We would urge the Government to take this into account when reviewing the MAC’s recommendations.
“We are pleased that the MAC have taken on board the views which FSB expressed during their visit to Northern Ireland.
“Given that Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU regulations for goods after Brexit, and businesses here will compete for labour on an all-Ireland basis, it is crucial that the immigration system is suitably flexible for small businesses to meet their skills needs.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the migration system is fully operational by January 2021, provided it is tested and fit for purpose for the Northern Ireland economy.”
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