In recent years, there has been growing support across various political parties and industries for a distinct immigration policy for Scotland. The idea of a Scottish visa, which would allow the country to address its unique demographic and economic challenges, is gaining traction as a way to tackle Scotland’s specific needs within the broader UK immigration framework.
The Case for a Scottish Visa
The concept of a Scottish visa isn’t new. In fact, it has been discussed since before the Brexit referendum, with figures like Michael Gove suggesting that, should the UK leave the European Union, Scotland could have the authority to decide its immigration policy. Although this idea was not pursued at the time, the need for a tailored immigration system has become more urgent since then.
As the effects of Brexit continue to unfold, many sectors in Scotland that rely heavily on migration, including hospitality, tourism, and higher education, are facing challenges. Businesses are struggling to fill workforce gaps, and the demographic issue of rural depopulation in certain areas has highlighted the need for immigration to address both labor shortages and population decline.
Cross-Party Support for a Scottish Visa
Support for a Scottish visa has transcended political lines. For example, Labour’s deputy leader, Jackie Baillie, recently expressed openness to discussing a Scottish visa with the Scottish Government. This has been echoed by several key figures, including Leon Thompson of UK Hospitality Scotland, who believes that a Scottish visa could help alleviate the workforce shortages in Scotland’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Other political figures, such as Glasgow MP John Grady, have also advocated for welcoming skilled workers into Scotland, while MP Torcuil Crichton highlighted the importance of recognizing that immigration policies need to reflect local conditions, especially in rural areas.
This consensus among businesses and political leaders suggests a broad agreement that Scotland’s unique economic and demographic circumstances warrant a distinct immigration policy.
The Challenge of Westminster’s Response
While support for a Scottish visa is growing in Scotland, the Westminster government, particularly under the leadership of the Home Office and the new Conservative Prime Minister, Kemi Badenoch, has shown resistance to such a move. There is a clear divide between the more decentralized approach favored in Scotland and the centralized, uniform policies imposed by the UK government.
The UK’s current immigration system has been criticized for exacerbating labor shortages, particularly in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, and for creating barriers to Scotland’s ability to address its own specific needs. Scotland’s businesses, many of which rely on EU nationals, are struggling with the limitations imposed by the post-Brexit immigration rules. The move to a Scottish visa system would help bridge the gap created by these challenges.
International Precedents for Decentralized Immigration Policies
There are successful international precedents for decentralized immigration policies that could serve as a model for Scotland. Both Canada and Australia operate systems that allow regional governments to implement their own immigration policies within the framework of national guidelines. In Canada, for example, the Quebec Accord allows the province to select immigrants based on its specific needs, something that could work well in Scotland’s context.
These international examples suggest that a decentralized immigration system can function effectively, balancing national objectives with regional needs. While replicating such systems in Scotland may not be straightforward, it demonstrates that the idea of a tailored immigration policy within a larger union is not unfeasible.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Innovation
The key to moving forward with a Scottish visa lies in collaboration between the Scottish and UK governments, as well as MPs, MSPs, and key industry stakeholders. This approach would not only allow for a more nuanced discussion on migration but could also help overcome the political divisions that have traditionally characterized debates around immigration.
The next few years provide an important window for this discussion to take place. With the next Scottish parliamentary elections not scheduled until 2026, there is time for both governments to come together and explore the potential for a Scottish visa system that can address the country’s specific challenges.
Why This Matters
Migration is not just a political issue but a critical factor in Scotland’s economic and social development. Industries like healthcare, education, and tourism rely heavily on immigrants, and Scotland’s aging population and rural depopulation exacerbate the need for immigration. A Scottish visa system could help ensure that Scotland remains an attractive destination for talented individuals from around the world, helping to secure the country’s future growth.
By finding a way to devolve immigration control to Scotland, the UK government could demonstrate its commitment to addressing regional disparities and recognizing the unique challenges faced by different parts of the union.
