How the Migration Advisory Committee was established
July 2006 - announcement of consultation
The Government announced in July 2006 that it would consult on establishing a non-statutory and advisory non-departmental public body that would advise the Government on where migration can fill skills gaps within the United Kingdom economy.
The Government said that this body would have an important role to play in helping attract the people with the right skills to the United Kingdom.
29 November 2006 - consultation launch
A consultation paper was launched on 29 November 2006 at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Home Secretary and the Minister for immigration and nationality. The paper sought the views of stakeholders, customers and the general public about the establishment of the Migration Advisory Committee.
March 2007 - consultation end
The intention to set up the committee was first announced in March 2007 following a successful public consultation which showed overwhelming support for having a new independent committee with 89% of respondents in favour.
11 September 2007 - announcement of committee chair
The announcement of Professor David Metcalf as chair of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was made by the Home Secretary in her speech to the TUC annual conference in Brighton on Tuesday 11 September.
You can read the press release announcing the appointment of Professor David Metcalf in the news section.
Members
The MAC met for the first time on 7 December 2007. You can find out more about its members on the committee members' biographies page.