Morning, Thursday, 9th June 2022
This conference examines the future of the UK immigration system.
It will be an opportunity to assess recent changes to immigration rules - including new Global Business Mobility, High Potential Individual and Scale-up visa routes - and how the new routes can be used most effectively, as well as the options for further routes.
We also expect discussion on issues for implementation - particularly in light of added pressure on resources as a result of developments relating to asylum, such as the conflict in Ukraine and the Government’s new Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda.
The agenda will bring out latest thinking on options for reform to enable the system to more effectively contribute to economic growth and recovery - particularly in the context of labour shortages and increasing pressures on workforces being experienced in sectors such as construction, hospitality, retail, and health and social care.
There will also be examination of the processes and workings of the system itself, with delegates exploring what is needed to improve both employer and individual experiences and lower the barriers for engaging with the system, with discussion expected on:
- the cost of visa applications
- complexity and bureaucracy in sponsor licenses
- information, guidance and support available to employers
We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Professor Brian Bell, Chair, Migration Advisory Committee, and Professor of Economics, King’s College London; and Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UK Hospitality.
The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from the Home Office; the Migration Advisory Committee Secretariat; Border Force; Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration; Department for the Economy, NI; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government, along with Parliamentary passholders from the House of Lords.
