Immigration rules ‘a disaster for Scotland’ MSPs told
RULES over immigration being proposed by the UK Government would be “economically disastrous” for Scotland, MSPs will hear.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid unveiled plans which include moving the UK to a single skills-based system and a consultation on a minimum salary requirement of £30,000 for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas. But Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary, has warned that if the measures outlined by the document are introduced, Scotland’s future economic growth could be damaged.
Ms Hyslop will address MSPs in the Scottish Parliament today to set out the impact the proposals could have on the country.
“The UK Government’s own assessment of their policy proposals is that up to 85 per cent of future workers who would otherwise have come to Scotland from Europe would no longer be eligible under these new rules,” Ms Hyslop is expected to say.
“Free movement of people within the EU has been of enormous benefit to Scotland. It has allowed people from across Europe to settle here with their families, and play full and vital roles in our economy and as part of our communities.
“The current immigration system does not meet Scotland’s distinct needs and the UK Government’s proposals would be highly damaging.”