An SNP MSP has called for the UK government to devolve powers to the Scottish Parliament so that a Rural Visa Pilot scheme can be introduced to address labour shortages in rural areas.
Raising the issue in First Minister’s questions at Holyrood, Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick highlighted that sectors such as social care and hospitality face acute labour shortages.
In response the First Minister said that he had raised the issue with UK government ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, and is pressing them to act because if they did it would “help to stimulate further economic growth in Scotland.
In his Programme for Government last week, the First Minister highlighted that the Scottish Government would make the urgent case for tailored migration routes including a Rural Visa Pilot which could support rural employers across the public and private sectors.
Emma Roddick, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said:
“Employers in rural constituencies including the Highlands and Islands face acute labour shortages as a direct consequence of Brexit and hostile Westminster economic policies – neither of which Scotland voted for.
“A Rural Visa Pilot Scheme would help mitigate against these and facilitate routes for workers to come to Scotland and support our public services and help businesses to reach their full potential.
“The SNP will continue to push for the new Labour UK Government to urgently act on this issue by devolving powers to the Scottish Parliament.
“It is however, only with the full powers of independence that we will be able make our own decisions on immigration policies based on our unique needs rather than anti-immigration obsessed Westminster based politicians and media.”
