The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today, Tuesday 18 September, responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s report on migration in the UK. The publication comes a week after the Committee’s report on the impact of International students and sets out what the UK’s migration system should look like post-Brexit.
The Migration Advisory Committee report proposes an end to free movement from the EU, an intention already expressed by the UK Government. This would mean that all migrants would be treated the same regardless of where they are from.
RIBA Chief Executive, Alan Vallance said,
“The recommendations in today’s report would have profound implications for architecture. One in five architects working in the UK are from the EU and after freedom of movement ends, it is crucial to create a post-Brexit immigration system that helps protect the workforce and addresses long-standing problems. It is disappointing that the Committee has recommended introducing a £1000 Immigration Skills Charge to employ EU nationals and that it has not moved on the onerous salary threshold. Both of these measures will hit smaller practices the hardest.
RIBA’s research shows that the current administrative burden on people and practices is unacceptable – a situation where that gets worse is extremely worrying. Last year, we published our first policy report on the immigration system, it was clear then that the administrative burden does not support the UK’s globally focused architecture sector. The vast majority of RIBA members think that international talent is vital for the continued success of the profession. We will shortly publish new research and further recommendations for a post-Brexit immigration system that works for architecture.”
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Notes to editors
1. For further press information contact Elise Neve elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
2. Read the EEA migration in the UK: Final report.
3. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. www.architecture.com. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA.
