Scotland should have control over immigration

Scotland should have control over its own immigration system after Brexit, a leading think tank has said.

A system of “sub-state visas” should apply to the devolved administrations which would allow migrant workers to be based in one particular nation of the UK, according to the IPPR think tank.

Theproposalwas welcomed by the Scottish Government which has argued for control over immigration to be handed to Holyrood.

Scotland is facing an ageing population, and many economists say immigration is needed to boost growth which has toiled behind the UK in recent years.

IPPR Scotland director Russell Gunson said: “Devolving immigration could allow areas in the UK to be much more 0 IPPR Scotland director Russell Gunson made the call responsive to their local economic needs and public opinion, improving integration, trust and ensuring consent for immigration. As the Brexit negotiations continue, the UK government should consider fundamental reform of our immigration system, devolving immigration to Scotland and other parts of the UK.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said the UK’S “onesize-fits-all” immigration policy doesn’t work for Scotland.