RIBA responds to the Government’s post-Brexit immigration plan
RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government’s post-Brexit immigration plan.
RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance says,
“Today’s announcement confirms that Britain’s new immigration system will have a significant impact on architecture. One in five architects working in the UK today are from the rest of the EU and are an integral part of our workforce. By replacing free movement with a skills-based immigration system, recruiting talent from overseas is likely to become more time-consuming and more costly. It is vital that the new system does not make it harder for businesses to access the skills they need.
The current immigration system is long overdue for reform. The onerous minimum salary threshold of £30,000 prices out young architects early in their careers and must be reduced, while the burdensome administration and high costs associated with the visa system are unsustainable for small practices. RIBA members want to see an immigration system which preserves the global workforce and serves to maintain Britain’s reputation for architectural excellence and professionalism.”