Wishaw MSP joins calls for Scottish Parliament to have powers to build immigration system

-Credit:Stuart Vance/Reach PLC
-Credit:Stuart Vance/Reach PLC


Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has joined calls for the Scottish Parliament to have the powers to build an immigration system to suit Scotland’s needs.

Scotland has unique challenges such as population decline and low levels of unemployment – meaning that more working age people are needed to ensure growth in our economy.

Ms Adamson is backing proposals for a Scottish Graduate Visa – a dedicated visa for international graduates from Scottish universities or colleges who want to stay in Scotland after their studies.

First Minister John Swinney has published a paper setting out proposed initial steps on a tailored migration policy for Scotland, including proposals for a Scottish post-study visa.

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The move has been backed by key organisations such as the National Union of Students Scotland, Universities Scotland and Chambers of Commerce across the country. But it would require cooperation from the UK Government as immigration is a reserved issue.

Ms Adamson said: “My Motherwell and Wishaw constituency is vulnerable to the challenges facing Scotland.

“In the coming years, population decline will cause unique problems for Scotland. We need inward migration to raise tax revenue, support business and employment, and bolster public services alongside the rich cultural benefits that migration brings.

“I want to see a return to post-graduate visas, which were dismantled by the Tories. This would bring huge economic and societal benefits.

“Next week, I will lead a debate on the catastrophic damage that Brexit has caused for Scotland – despite our overwhelming vote to stay in the EU.

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“The figures are frightening: import costs have risen causing prices to rise; goods exports from the UK dropped by £27bn in 2022 alone; trade intensity of the UK economy will reduce by 15 per cent in the long term.

“Scotland has lost an estimated £2.3 billion every year in public revenue because of Brexit.

“And we are tied to a migration system dictated by the UK Government – even where our needs are different.

“A one-size-fits-all approach to migration is harmful for Scotland and the UK Government is hostile to EU membership.

“We will feel that harm for years to come. Future generations in my area have lost out on incredible opportunities to work, study, and live in 27 EU nations.

“We need a migration system that works for Scotland and supports my community in Motherwell and Wishaw.”

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Mr Swinney, speaking this week at JP Morgan Chase & Co in Glasgow, said that a ‘Scottish Graduate Visa’ would be linked to a Scottish tax code and be based on a requirement to live and work in Scotland.

It would be granted for up to two years and would act as a bridge between Study and Graduate visas and the Skilled Worker Visa, giving international students an additional two years to gain the professional experience required to qualify for roles on the Skilled Worker Visa route.

During the speech, the First Minister also stressed the urgency of Scotland rejoining the European Union, ensuring access to the Single Market and reinstating freedom of movement, to help tackle Scotland’s distinct demographic challenges which would benefit from inward migration.

However, the UK Government said that there is already a graduate route that offers talented international students the opportunity to stay in the UK after successfully completing their studies.

First Minister John Swinney, who is calling on Westminster to work with him to develop a "tailored" migration policy for Scotland
First Minister John Swinney, who is calling on Westminster to work with him to develop a "tailored" migration policy for Scotland

A UK Government spokesperson said: “Delivering on our Plan for Change and driving economic growth in every part of the UK means resetting our relationship with the EU and securing closer trading links, a broad security and defence agreement, and closer cooperation on issues like migration and climate change.

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“The Graduate Route already offers talented international students the opportunity to stay in the UK after successfully completing their studies.

"We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government on areas where devolved and reserved policies intersect, but there are no plans to introduce a visa route specific to Scotland.”

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