The UK’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has released a fresh review of salary requirements for sponsored work visas, making it easier for employers to recruit overseas workers.
In its assessment, the MAC concluded that current salary thresholds for several work visa routes are set too high and do not accurately reflect labour market realities. According to the committee, these thresholds risk limiting access to international talent in sectors experiencing genuine recruitment difficulties.
Skilled Worker route
For the Skilled Worker route, the MAC recommends using lower, occupation-specific salary data based on the 25th percentile of earnings, rather than the median currently used. It proposes retaining the general salary threshold at £41,700, though it also acknowledges £48,400 as an alternative option.
The committee further suggests introducing a single new entrant salary of £33,400 and extending the period during which applicants can benefit from the new entrant discount beyond four years. The existing PhD salary discount, the MAC says, should be scrapped entirely and if special arrangements are retained for post-doctoral roles, they should be subject to a single salary level of £41,700 for up to four years.
Global Business Mobility route
On the Global Business Mobility routes, including Senior or Specialist Worker and UK Expansion Worker visas, the MAC recommends that salary levels be set at the median pay for each eligible occupation. For Graduate Trainees, it proposes a simplified system with a single salary threshold of £33,400 and the removal of occupation-specific salary bands.
The committee also addressed the Temporary Shortage Occupation List, recommending a minimum salary threshold of £30,900. Under the proposal, occupation-based salaries would be set at the median level for each role, with no salary discounts permitted.
If the government accepts the MAC’s recommendations, salary thresholds for some visa routes could be reduced, potentially easing recruitment pressures for employers and improving access to overseas skills in areas facing labour shortages.
