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Immigration discussions
10/11/2009
The Scottish Government's External Affairs Minister Michael Russell and the UK Government's Immigration Minister Phil Woolas met in London to discuss how the points-based UK immigration system can be used to support Scotland's population growth target.
The meeting was organised as a result of a discussion at the May meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council (Domestic).
Scottish Ministers have consistently stated the case for Scotland-specific flexibilities which recognise Scotland's unique demographic challenge.
Mr Russell said:
"I raised recent cases which have worked against Scottish interests and the long-running sore that is the unacceptable detention of children at Dungavel.
"However, on the broader policy issues we did make good progress. For example, we added that:
- a Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange scheme should be established for Scotland
- the UK Border Agency's website should help to promote Scotland as a place to work, live and study - this is typically a potential migrant's first interaction with the UK immigration system
- the UK Border Agency and Scottish Government will work together to encourage Scottish businesses to make representations to the Migration Advisory Committee on where they are experiencing skills shortages from within the domestic workforce
"And we also agreed that the UK Government would discuss with the Migration Advisory Committee issues in the points-based system including the difficulties caused by the inclusion of London weighting in salaries which affect points under Tiers 1 and 2.
"I also raised this issue with the Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, Professor David Metcalf, when I met him today.
"The Scottish Government's position is clear. Scotland has an ageing population and an increasing dependency ratio. We need the flexibility within the system to attract more people of working age to contribute to our economy, fill skills gaps and help us prosper over the longer term.
"There is of course precedent for such flexibilities. The hugely successful Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme allowed international students the opportunity to remain in Scotland to work for up to two years following graduation from a Scottish university or college. Over 8,400 graduates benefited from the scheme and such was its success in attracting the brightest and best students from around the world, that it was replicated across the rest of the UK.
"Today's discussion was useful and I hope it can be built upon."