SNP call for Scotland specific immigration rules

Responding to the Migration Advisory Committee’s draft shortage occupation list for migrants from beyond the EU, SNP’s Home Affairs Spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said:

"The MAC had an opportunity to recognise Scotland’s particular population and immigration requirements in drawing up this list but it has singularly failed to grab the thistle and actively assist our specific concerns.

"While Scotland’s population decline has been arrested by recent Eastern European immigration, most models still predict continuing decline when this eventually dries up.

"We in Scotland have very different population concerns from the rest of the UK and I had hoped that the MAC might recognise this. While the MAC has drawn up a specific Scotland shortage occupation list, this does not go far enough and will contribute little to our population concerns.

"We need real action on immigration and if Westminster can’t deliver, powers should be handed to the Scottish Parliament. We have already suggested that Scotland should maintain a competitive advantage in relation to our ability to attract skilled migrants, including through the Fresh Talent initiative.

"We need Scotland specific approaches to this crucial issue and if Westminster can’t deliver then it should pass this key responsibility to Holyrood."