The Royal College of Nursing has warned that changes to UK immigration rules could have a devastating impact on Scotland’s health and care workforce.
New data reveals an 88% drop in the number of Health and Care Worker visas issued since Labour came to power, prompting renewed calls for a shift in immigration policy to support struggling services.
In July, the UK Labour government closed the Social Care Worker visa route to new international applicants.
The move has been heavily criticised by care sector leaders, unions, and political opponents north of the border.
The SNP says Westminster’s tightening of immigration rules under both Labour and the Conservatives is pushing key sectors towards breaking point.
They are urging the UK Government to reverse course or devolve immigration powers to Scotland.
Clare Haughey, SNP MSP and former mental health minister, said the impact on frontline services is already being felt.
“Labour are damaging Scotland’s health and care services the 88% drop in Health and Care Worker visas in one year has been devastating for the sector,” she said.
“It’s no wonder the Royal College of Nursing is now joining Scottish Care in sounding the alarm on Westminster’s damaging approach to immigration.”
In recent weeks, Scottish Care chief executive Donald Macaskill also voiced concerns, warning that new visa rules were “actively undermining” efforts to staff care homes and support services across Scotland.
The UK Government’s visa overhaul was aimed at reducing overall migration numbers, but critics say it has come at the expense of vital professions that already face chronic shortages.
The Royal College of Nursing, which represents tens of thousands of nurses across the UK, said the loss of international recruits would leave many services dangerously exposed.
Scotland’s ageing population, rising demand for complex care, and ongoing recruitment struggles have all increased pressure on the system in recent years.
The SNP argues that Scotland’s demographic and economic needs are distinct from the rest of the UK and require a different approach to immigration.
“Labour need to show they are serious about supporting Scotland’s public services by scrapping these harmful rules or devolving immigration powers to Scotland,” said Haughey.
“It is only with the fresh start of independence that Scotland will have full control over our own immigration system.”
The Labour Government has defended the visa changes, arguing that reforms are needed to reduce reliance on overseas labour and to invest in domestic training and recruitment.
However, critics say such long-term plans offer little relief for services already under acute strain.
