‘These proposals will have a devastating impact on Scottish business and society’
THE proposals set out by the UK Government are an insult to Scotland and take no account of the needs of Scottish employers, our public services and our communities.
In fact, I would describe them as nonsensical, shortsighted and completely against Scotland’s aspirations and values.
The UK Government promised a system that would deliver for all of the UK, including Scotland.
However, the clear evidence from employers, local authorities, universities and business groups have been ignored.
These proposals would have a devastating impact on many of our industries, whether tourism, construction, social care or agriculture in a country which has an ageing population.
In all parts of Scotland we need people to sustain and grow the economy.
Scotland has unique demographics challenges and inward migration is vital to address these.
The number of deaths in Scotland is expected to be bigger than the number of births in every one of the next 25 years.
We need an evidencebased, sensible approach to immigration which reflects the needs of our economy, developed through engagement with employers and communities.
That is why last month the First Minister launched proposals for a Scottish Visa.
We in the Scottish Government have set out in detail how a Scottish Visa would allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish.
Our proposals are realistic, practical and deliverable measures designed to work under devolution – although the principles and the practical measures required could be adapted for an independent Scotland.
Under one of our proposed models the Scottish Government, accountable to the Scottish Parliament, would define the criteria for the new visa, receive and assess applications, and then nominate successful candidates to the UK Government.
The UK Government would then verify the identity of applicants and make relevant security checks before issuing a visa to successful applicants.
Migrants holding a Scottish Visa would be required to live in Scotland with a Scottish tax code.
Our proposals for a tailored migration policy are supported by local authorities, employers and universities as an essential way of attracting talent and sustaining and improving economic growth, prosperity and public services.
If the UK Government is serious about having an immigration system that works for the whole of the UK, then it needs to listen to not just the Scottish Government but what Scottish businesses and stakeholders are saying.
The UK Government’s proposals are inadequate and not fit for purpose.
If introduced, they will cause major and lasting damage to Scotland’s economy, public services and the sustainability of our rural communities.
A Scottish Visa would provide a useful additional route and a meaningful solution, and it is now imperative for the Scottish Parliament to have the powers required to deliver it.