The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published new modelling showing that workers who enter the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route contribute significantly more in taxes than they receive in public services, delivering what the committee calls a “clearly fiscally positive” outcome.
The report, released on 15 December, calculates that an average Skilled Worker and dependants generate a net surplus of £6,200 per year. Health-surcharge payments, National Insurance and income tax overshadow education and healthcare costs even when dependants are included. The results mirror findings from the Office for Budget Responsibility that high-skilled migration bolsters long-term GDP growth and helps stabilise public debt.
![MAC analysis finds Skilled Worker route delivers net fiscal gain for UK Exchequer]()
MAC chair Prof Brian Bell said the data should inform upcoming reviews of salary thresholds and the new Temporary Shortage List. Business groups welcomed the analysis, arguing it supports lowering visa fees and streamlining sponsorship to keep the UK internationally competitive—particularly in AI, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
However, migration-sceptic MPs called the surplus “marginal” and demanded tougher controls on dependants. The Home Office said it would “consider the report carefully” alongside wider reforms due in the first half of 2026.
For global-mobility teams, the findings provide fresh evidence to justify business-case approvals for intra-company transfers under the Skilled Worker route and may influence corporate lobbying on future fee structures.
The report, released on 15 December, calculates that an average Skilled Worker and dependants generate a net surplus of £6,200 per year. Health-surcharge payments, National Insurance and income tax overshadow education and healthcare costs even when dependants are included. The results mirror findings from the Office for Budget Responsibility that high-skilled migration bolsters long-term GDP growth and helps stabilise public debt.
MAC chair Prof Brian Bell said the data should inform upcoming reviews of salary thresholds and the new Temporary Shortage List. Business groups welcomed the analysis, arguing it supports lowering visa fees and streamlining sponsorship to keep the UK internationally competitive—particularly in AI, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
However, migration-sceptic MPs called the surplus “marginal” and demanded tougher controls on dependants. The Home Office said it would “consider the report carefully” alongside wider reforms due in the first half of 2026.
For global-mobility teams, the findings provide fresh evidence to justify business-case approvals for intra-company transfers under the Skilled Worker route and may influence corporate lobbying on future fee structures.
Source: Electronic Immigration Network
