What is the Migration Advisory Committee?

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advises the government on migration issues. It is a non-statutory, non-time-limited, non-departmental public body, sponsored by the UK Border Agency of the Home Office.

Membership

The MAC is made up of a chair and four other independent economists, who have been appointed under rules relating to public appointments laid down by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). Additionally, the Commission for Employment and Skills and the UK Border Agency are represented on the committee. You can find out more about the MAC's membership on the Members' biographies page.

The MAC is supported by a secretariat made up of economists, policy and administrative staff.

MAC meetings

The committee meets at least quarterly, and more frequently as required. Minutes of these meetings appear on the website as soon as practicable after each meeting.

Consultation

The MAC is keen to work transparently, and consults corporate partners as widely as practicable. It carries out visits across the UK and hosts regular events for corporate partners. It also works closely with the Commission for Employment and Skills.

Research

Details of published MAC research programmes are available on the MAC research page.

In September 2009, the MAC hosted an international conference entitled 'Managing labour immigration during economic growth and crisis: international experiences with points-based systems'. A summary of the conference and presentations can be found on the international conference page.

Code of conduct

Committee members work to a code of conduct.