Scotland’s deputy first minister, Kate Forbes, has expressed concerns over the UK government’s plans to tighten immigration rules, particularly in relation to the impact it could have on the country’s care system. In a recent interview on BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland program, Forbes emphasized the need for Scotland to take a distinct approach to immigration policies compared to the rest of the UK.
The proposed immigration changes, which aim to reduce the recruitment of care workers from overseas and impose stricter English language requirements for immigrants, have raised alarm among care home bosses. Robert Kilgour, chairman of Scottish care home group Renaissance Care, warned that limiting overseas visas could have devastating consequences for the industry, potentially leading to closures of care homes, longer NHS waiting lists, and overall disruptions in the healthcare sector.
Campbell Mair, managing director of Highland Home Carers, echoed these concerns, highlighting the challenges of retaining and recruiting UK workers in the care sector. Mair called on both the UK and Scottish governments to invest more in the industry to address workforce capacity issues and ensure the well-being of vulnerable adults in need of care.
Forbes emphasized Scotland’s unique demographic challenges, citing the importance of being able to recruit a diverse workforce to meet the needs of the population. She proposed the idea of a separate “Scottish visa” as a potential solution to address the specific immigration needs of Scotland, a suggestion that has previously been dismissed by the UK government.
The immigration proposals put forward by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aim to bring about stricter controls on migration, with a focus on ensuring that migrants contribute positively to the UK. The plan includes requirements for migrants to spend a certain period in the UK before applying for citizenship, as well as increased English language standards for all immigration routes.
While Sir Keir defended the proposals as necessary for maintaining rule-based immigration policies, opposition figures like John Swinney criticized the prime minister for divisive language and overlooking the economic and social impacts of the plan. Swinney argued that the immigration changes could harm the economy, healthcare system, social care sector, and universities in Scotland, highlighting the need to boost the working-age population in the country.
In light of the immigration debate, the SNP has long advocated for a bespoke Scottish immigration scheme to address the unique needs of Scotland’s population. SNP MP Stephen Gethins has put forth a bill in the House of Commons seeking an amendment to allow Holyrood ministers to establish a Scottish visa program, building on previous initiatives like the Fresh Talent Scheme introduced in 2005.
Overall, the ongoing discussions around immigration policy in the UK underscore the importance of considering the specific needs and challenges faced by different regions within the country. As Scotland grapples with demographic pressures and workforce shortages, finding a tailored approach to immigration could be essential for ensuring the well-being of its population and the sustainability of its care system.
