Scottish Labour’s general election manifesto, external pledged to reform the UK migration advisory committee and to ensure migration and skills policies “work for every part of the UK”, while ending “long-term reliance on overseas workers in some parts of the economy”.
In the days leading up to July’s vote, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie told the Herald on Sunday, external her party would look at ways to “incentivise” migrants to the UK to settle in Scotland.
Days after the election, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was asked if he would push the prime minister for a distinct immigration system north of the border.
He told BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show: “No. We have to have one UK border agency, of course we need one immigration system.”
Sarwar said the two governments could work together to find solutions to “distinct” immigration issues – such as filling labour shortages in some industries.
He also highlighted the Fresh Talent Scheme, introduced by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2005.
It allowed international students at Scottish universities to continue working in Scotland for up to two years after they graduated, after which they could apply for other visas. The policy was scrapped by the UK government in 2011.