December 2023
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
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This conference focused on next steps for UK’s post-Brexit immigration policy - and it took place with heightened political and public debate on options going forward following the ONS’s recently published updated migration figures.
It brought key stakeholders together with policymakers to discuss the impact of the points-based immigration system, as well as how the immigration system can best be utilised to support the UK labour market.
The conference followed the Migration Advisory Committee’s inquiries into the shortage occupation list and seasonal worker visas, and findings in the ONS’s revised long-term international migration report in November 2023 indicating net migration figures rising to 672kú
Delegates considered policy options for the future as government aims to reduce net migration numbers, as well as key issues moving forward and options for alternative strategies.
Further sessions explored the future of international student migration, including employment in the UK job market post-graduation, with discussion also expected on ways in which labour exploitation within the UK can be tackled.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Philippa Rouse, Director for Migration & Citizenship and Senior Responsible Officer for the Future Border and Immigration System Programme, Home Office; Dr Madeleine Sumption, Director, Migration Observatory; and Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, UKHospitality.
Further sessions examined wider sector issues, including:
- trends: the current outlook for the UK immigration system - net migration statistics - progress of the points-based system - impact on user experience - priorities for strategy moving forward
- policy: assessing government commitments - policy coordination to enable an effective system - alignment with current economic pledges and objectives
- priorities moving forward: responding to the most recent net migration figures and labour shortages - the potential for reform and alternative policy approaches
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; DCEDIY, ROI; Defra; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Health, NI; DfE; DfT; DLUHC; DSIT; DWP; FCDO; HMRC; Home Office; MAC; MOJ; NAO; OBR; UKRI; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.
