European immigrants boost economy more than Britons, suggests report
IMMIGRANTS from Europe have made a “more positive fiscal contribution” to the economy than people who were born in the UK, a new report suggests.
While it said the evidence is “contested”, the Scottish Government study stated that research indicated migrants from the European Economic Area (EEA) “have made a more positive fiscal contribution” than both Britons and people coming to the country from the rest of the world.
The most recent census showed almost 370,000 people from outside the UK were living in Scotland, making up seven per cent of the country’s population.
Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of migrants had arrived in Scotland in the 10 years leading up to the 2011 census.
Those coming to Scotland “tend to be young and economically active”, the report revealed, saying: “In general, they arrive with qualifications, so have the potential to complement the stock of human capital in the host country.
“However, qualifications are often not fully recognised or utilised in host countries, and some migrants with higher level qualifications are working in jobs of low skill and minimum wage rates.”
Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of those who have come to Scotland from the EEA in the last 10 years are either in work or self-employed, according to the research.
The report said: “Migrants from outside the UK are, in general, young and have low healthcare needs.
“Consequently, there is little evidence of increased demand for health services resulting from migration into Scotland.”