Scotland Pushes for New Graduate Visa to Retain International Talent

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has announced plans to create a new graduate visa aimed at attracting and retaining skilled international students who graduate from Scottish universities and colleges. The proposal, designed to bolster the country’s economy and public services, has already met resistance from the UK government.

A Vision for Skilled Graduates

Speaking at an event in Glasgow this week, Swinney highlighted the importance of international students in Scotland, both for their academic contributions and for the economic benefits they bring. He described the new Scottish Graduate Visa as a potential tool to ensure that highly skilled graduates stay in the country after completing their studies.

Swinney pointed to a previous migration route established two decades ago, which allowed international students to stay and work in Scotland. His ambition, he says, is to revive this idea to help Scotland tackle its projected population decline, while also supporting local businesses and public services.

Under Swinney’s proposal, the visa would be linked to a Scottish tax code, and applicants would need to live and work within the country. This would ensure that graduates contribute to Scotland’s economy in the long term.

Scotland skyline cloudy Edinburgh

UK Government Pushback

Despite Swinney’s enthusiasm, his idea has already run into a wall with the UK government. According to a government spokesperson, there are currently “no plans” for a separate Scottish visa, pointing instead to the existing UK Graduate Route. This current scheme allows international students to remain in the country for up to two years post-graduation.

However, Swinney remains determined to push forward with the idea, suggesting that a dedicated Scottish Graduate Visa would help strengthen the country’s workforce. He emphasized that international students contribute a significant £4.75 billion annually to Scotland’s economy. “In small but important ways, it would make our economy more robust, and our public services more sustainable,” Swinney said.

The Need for Regional Migration Policies

Universities Scotland, which represents the country’s higher education institutions, has expressed strong support for Swinney’s proposal. Convener Paul Grice argued that the introduction of a Scottish Graduate Visa could help mitigate Scotland’s population decline and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. He also suggested that creating a policy space between the Scottish and UK governments could allow for more regional variations in migration policies.

“We need inward migration to support Scotland’s future, and this proposal provides a real opportunity for Scotland’s universities to lead the charge,” Grice said.

A Changing Landscape for International Students

Although the UK government has shown little interest in creating a distinct Scottish Graduate Visa, there seems to be an increasing embrace of international students across the UK. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently recorded a video message to promote post-graduation work opportunities available to international students in the UK.

This shift in focus could signal a broader commitment to attracting and retaining global talent, even if the specifics of a Scottish visa remain uncertain for now.

By Dayna Bass

Dayna Bass is a talented news writer at our website, delivering compelling and timely stories to our readers. With a passion for journalism and a keen eye for detail, Dayna covers a wide range of topics, ensuring that our audience stays informed about the latest news and developments. Whether it's breaking news, investigative reports, or human interest stories, Dayna's articles are meticulously researched and written with clarity and accuracy.

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