The RIBA has responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s report ‘A Points-Based System and Salary Thresholds for Immigration’.
Alan Vallance, RIBA CEO, said:
"The Migration Advisory Committee's report fundamentally misunderstands the architecture profession. With training to become an architect taking a minimum of seven years, the committee’s proposals will simply not work for the sector.
Increasing the salary threshold to almost £35,000 will severely impact smaller practices and those outside of London keen to benefit from international skills; and the proposed 'new entrants' route would exclude swathes of internationally-qualified architects who are integral to the success of the sector and economy.
Ensuring that the UK continues to attract and retain global talent is absolutely critical, and sadly these proposals fall short of providing the reassurance needed. We will continue to press Government for an immigration system that works for UK architects and architecture."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further press information contact: Abigail Chiswell-White Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811
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. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
