The Home Office has confirmed in a written statement that it is accepting the Migration Advisory Committee’s proposals that veterinary surgeons are added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
Following much lobbying by veterinary bodies, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) published a report on 29 May, in which it recommended that vets be reinstated on the list.
SOL benefits
Now the Government has acted on MAC’s advice and returned vets to the list, which, in theory at least, should make it easier for veterinary surgeons from overseas to come and work in the UK.
Being on the list means employers will not have to conduct a resident labour market test to employ a vet from overseas, lower visa fees apply for vets and it also provides exemption from the £35,000 minimum income threshold – this could have implications for the meat hygiene sector.
Delighted
Reacting to the news, RCVS president Niall Connell said: “We are delighted to see that, in a written statement by the then Home Secretary Sajid Javid to the House of Commons, dated 23 July, the Home Office has accepted all of the recommendations made by its Migration Advisory Committee in its review of the Shortage Occupation List, including that veterinary surgeons be added to the list.
“Both the RCVS and the BVA worked together to ensure this outcome.”
Huge win
BVA president Simon Doherty added: “We are absolutely delighted by the Government’s decision to heed our calls to reinstate vets to the Shortage Occupation List.
“This is a huge win for animal welfare and a resounding vote of confidence in the veterinary community and the multiple benefits it realises across the UK.“