Good news for IT jobs as changes to the Shortage Occupation List confirmed
In May, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published its full review of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), the first time the SOL had been looked at in six years.
Roles that feature on the SOL profit from a number of exemptions to the Tier 2 system – making the process more efficient and cheaper for employers of high-skilled workers such as those in health or social care, engineering and digital technology.
The MAC recommended a number of changes to the UK-wide SOL. Of particular importance was the suggested inclusion of IT roles like business analyst, systems designers, programmers and software development professionals.
Last week, in his last written statement as Home Secretary, Sajid Javid confirmed that the government will be accepting all of the MAC’s recommendations on the composition of the SOL.
He had already asked them to rethink the minimum salary threshold and look into making regional differences.
By making this change, the government is acknowledging the lack of skilled IT professionals available to businesses within the local labour market.
What are the benefits of a role being considered in ‘shortage’?
- There is no need to undertake a resident labour market test
- Roles on the SOL are prioritised within the monthly restricted CoS quota
- There will be no requirement to meet the minimum salary threshold required for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, and
- Lower visa application fees apply.
In related immigration news, Javid also promised that the government will look into providing a scheme that helps to settle migrants in remote communities. Further updates will be published in the forthcoming Autumn Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules.
