The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was established by the UK Government last December as part of the new points-based immigration system.  In a bid to depoliticise the immigration debate, the committee is designed to provide independent evidence-based advice to government on skills shortages which could be filled by migrants. 

The committee is currently engaged in drawing up lists of occupations to be designated as ‘shortage occupations’ for Tier 2 of the new system, ‘Foreign nationals with a job offer in the UK’.  A separate Scottish Shortage Occupation List will be devised to reflect the distinctive skills needs and shortages in Scotland.  To compile these lists the committee has been touring every region of the UK to consult with employers and relevant stakeholders, having visited Scotland in March.

The MAC is due to publish the first shortage lists this month.  A spokesperson for the Scottish Government has now indicated that once these lists are produced it may invite the committee to come and explain its findings before MSPs in the Parliament. 

This comes amidst some debate over the ability of the points-based system to reflect Scotland’s distinct skills shortages and demographic needs.  The potential move also follows the SNP’s manifesto commitment on immigration: “We will seek an enhanced role for the Scottish Parliament in the Shortage Occupation List.”

The Scottish Government spokesperson said:
 
“Scotland faces a different immigration situation, with different skill needs.  It makes sense for Scotland to have a competitive edge vis-à-vis the rest of the UK.  That is why the Scottish Government has been working closely with the Home Office and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the body set up by the Home Office to compile the UK-wide Shortage Occupation List and a Scotland-only list.  As part of its evidence-gathering, the MAC visited Scotland in late March to meet employers and other interested parties.  The MAC is due to produce its first lists in June 2008.

“The Scottish shortage occupation list will allow us to bring in people with skills that are in short supply in Scotland even if these shortages do not exist elsewhere in the UK.

“Once this first list has been produced, it may be possible to invite the MAC to come to the Parliament to present and explain its findings.”

The committee is made up of five economists and two-ex-officio members, with David Metcalf, London School of Economics professor of industrial relations, as its chair.