Planned visa changes “absolutely terrify” universities, says MP

Changes to the immigration system proposed by the Migration Advisory Committee have left universities “absolutely terrified” about how they will recruit early-career researchers and technicians, an MP has warned.

In September, the MAC recommended that the UK government should abolish the annual cap on the number of Tier 2 visas for highly skilled workers after Brexit. However, the salary threshold for those who receive them—currently set at £20,800 for “new entrants” and £30,000 for more experienced workers—should be retained, the committee said.

It also said that no preference should be given to people from the European Economic Area, meaning that those who come to the UK from the European Union would have to secure jobs that meet the threshold payment level if they wish to work in Britain.