Labour leaders face a tough challenge on immigration policy in Scotland as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveils major asylum changes amid rising concerns over border control. With Reform UK gaining ground ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, the party must balance national reforms with Scotland’s economic reliance on migrants.
Mahmood’s Major Asylum Overhaul
Shabana Mahmood announced sweeping reforms to the UK’s asylum system on November 17, 2025, aiming to address what she called illegal migration tearing the country apart. These changes target long standing issues in how the government handles arrivals and settlements.
The reforms include forcing those arriving illegally to wait 20 years before applying for permanent status, up from the current five years. Refugee status will now be temporary, requiring reapplication every two and a half years. People from countries deemed safe will face immediate return home.
Mahmood also plans to end multiple appeals against removal and speed up deportations. The government will review human rights laws to tighten restrictions on family based asylum claims and use AI to identify migrants. These steps seek to curb irregular immigration and counter far right pressures.
- Key elements of the reforms:
- 20 year wait for settlement for illegal arrivals.
- Temporary refugee status with periodic reapplication.
- Faster deportations and visa travel bans on non cooperative countries.
- Removal of asylum support for those who can work.
Experts note these measures draw inspiration from Denmark’s approach but could strain resources in processing claims.
Scotland’s Distinct Economic Demands
Scotland stands apart from the rest of the UK with its aging population and labor shortages in key sectors like care, farming, and the NHS. Rural areas particularly need foreign workers to sustain operations, as local populations decline.
The Scottish Government has pushed for a bespoke immigration system, including a Scottish Visa to attract talent to specific regions. Proposals also include restoring dependent visas for care workers and a graduate visa allowing two years post study work in Scotland. These aim to boost the working age population and support economic growth.
However, UK wide rules often overlook these needs. Recent changes, like higher salary thresholds for skilled worker visas from January 2025, make it harder for international students to stay. The ban on dependants for most students risks reducing Scotland’s appeal as an education hub.
In social care, the potential end to the care worker visa route threatens services already under pressure. Scotland’s care sector relies heavily on migrants, and restrictions could put lives and communities at risk.
| Sector | Impact of Immigration Restrictions | Example Data (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Care | Loss of workers leading to service cuts | 81% drop in EU students since 2016; need for 1 million migrants for jobs |
| Rural Economy | Reduced labor for farming and fishing | Facilities like Scot West Seafoods halting operations due to shortages |
| NHS and Health | Strain on staffing for elderly care | Proposals for IHS reimbursement to cover all frontline workers |
| Education | Fewer international students staying | Non EU students at 70,840 in 2022/23, but visa changes risk decline |
First Minister John Swinney warned that tight UK policies pose a significant economic threat, risking the NHS and care systems.
Reform UK’s Growing Influence in Polls
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has surged in Scotland, becoming the second largest party in recent opinion polls. This rise challenges Labour directly, with the party polling ahead in some areas ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
Polls show Reform attracting voters frustrated with current immigration levels. The party promises to deport 600,000 undocumented migrants if in power and has criticized Labour for not acting fast enough. In Scotland, Reform now eyes unseating the SNP by capitalizing on these sentiments.
Recent by elections, like Stirling East in October 2025, saw Reform gain votes, though SNP led. National polls indicate SNP at 55 MSPs projected, Labour at 19, Conservatives at 12, and Reform pushing up.
This momentum forces Labour to adopt tougher stances, but it risks alienating Scottish voters who see immigration as vital. Farage’s visits to Scotland have shifted perceptions, making the issue central to the campaign.
SNP and Devolved Government’s Pushback
The Scottish National Party has slammed Labour’s reforms as vile and anti migrant, accusing them of dancing to Reform’s tune. SNP MPs like Stephen Flynn highlight the chaos in Westminster while Scotland suffers.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar faces internal criticism, with some MPs like Brian Leishman questioning if the policies align with party values. The Scottish Government calls for devolution of immigration powers, including a bill for more control, but faces blocks from Westminster.
Greens and others label the plans contemptible, emphasizing Scotland’s humane approach. Debates in Holyrood stress that uncontrolled immigration is unsustainable, yet mass cuts harm the economy.
Recent events, like protests over asylum seeker housing, underscore tensions. The SNP pushes for fair work protections in any migration policy.
Shifting Public Views on Migration
For the first time, immigration ranks as a top five issue for Scottish voters in 2025 surveys, up from negligible concern. Around 16 percent now see it as key, alongside healthcare and costs.
This shift bucks past narratives of Scotland’s pro migration values. Polls show 77 percent want levels to fall or stay the same, with 34 percent seeking decreases. Reform’s anti immigration stance resonates amid economic pressures.
Yet, rural Scots and businesses argue for more workers. A New York Times report notes remote areas bucking UK trends by seeking foreign labor. Reddit discussions reveal mixed views, from calls for a million migrants to fill jobs to worries over integration.
Labour must navigate this divide, as tightening rules could boost Reform while loosening them alienates southern voters.
Challenges for Scottish Labour Ahead
Labour’s Scottish branch walks a fine line, with Westminster reforms clashing with local needs. The party risks losing ground to Reform if seen as too soft, or to SNP if too harsh.
In depth analysis shows economic data supports more flexible policies for Scotland. Recent UK white paper changes, like graduate visa cuts to 18 months, could drive talent away. Logical reasoning points to tailored solutions, like rural visa pilots, to address depopulation.
Tying into broader trends, similar issues arise in Wales and Northern Ireland, but Scotland’s devolved powers amplify the debate. As elections near, Labour’s strategy will test its unity.
Readers, what do you think of these immigration reforms and their impact on Scotland? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends and family.
