July 2025 Migration Advisory Committee meeting minutes
Updated 11 December 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/migration-advisory-committee-meeting-minutes-2025/july-2025-migration-advisory-committee-meeting-minutes
Migration Advisory Committee
2nd Floor, Peel Building NE
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
189th MEETING OF MIGRATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE: MINUTES
Friday 25th July 2025, 10:00 – 12:30
Virtual conference
Attending
Professor Brian Bell Professor Dina Kiwan Professor Sergi Pardos-Prado Dr Madeleine Sumption Professor Jo Swaffield Holly White Home Office representative MAC Secretariat
Agenda Item 1 – Welcome and introductions
Brian Bell opened the meeting and welcomed the attendees.
Agenda Item 2 – Home Office, MAC Secretariat and MAC updates
A representative from the Home Office provided an update on the changes to the immigration rules which came into effect on 22nd July 2025 which include the skills and salary threshold update, interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and closure of the care worker visas from 2028.
Holly White provided an update on the MAC Housing Project and the winning bids for the project.
Brian Bell provided an update on MAC fiscal work.
Agenda item 3 – Salaries review: conceptual discussion and scoping
The Committee discussed the purpose of salary thresholds, including their role in preventing undercutting and supporting fiscal sustainability.
The Committee discussed the rationale for salary threshold discounts, including their application to specific groups such as new entrants, international graduates, and regional variation.
Agenda item 4 – Temporary Shortage List review: stage 1 policy discussion
The Committee discussed the replacement of the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL) and interim Temporary Shortage List (TSL) and the implications for RQF 3–5 occupations.
The scope of foundational industries and critical infrastructure were explored, including the use of SIC codes. Policy design considerations were discussed, including review cycles, sponsorship rules, and nation-specific lists.
Agenda item 5 – Temporary Shortage List review: analysis plan
The Committee reviewed the proposed analytical approach to assess occupational relevance to the Industrial Strategy and critical infrastructure.
Agenda item 6 – Temporary Shortage List review: engagement and research
The Committee reviewed plans for stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering across two stages.
Stage 1 includes evidence sessions with Industrial Strategy and critical infrastructure stakeholders.
Stage 2 will involve a Call for Evidence, submission of workforce plans, and follow-up clarification sessions with plan owners.
Agenda Item 7– Annual report: Overseas Domestic Worker visa chapter
The Committee reviewed the chapter for the MAC annual report.
The Committee agreed to highlight key issues and revisit the narrative ahead of the September meeting.
Agenda Item 8 – AOB
The Committee reviewed upcoming timelines for the TSL and salaries reviews.