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Freedom of movement could continue in Scotland, immigration experts claim

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for a Scottish visa is “practical and workable”, a leading immigration law firm has said.

The first minister has said Scotland needs a “tailored” approach to immigration offset the country’s ageing population, falling birth rate and the impact of Brexit.

Boris Johnson branded the proposal “fanciful and deranged”, but law firms Fragomen has lent support to the idea.

In a policy paper, commissioned by the SNP, the immigration specialists concluded it would be “entirely possible” for Scotland to operate an immigration system distinct from the rest of the UK.

The Scottish Futures report, published today, sets out how Scotland’s distinct population needs could be met through the continuation of freedom of movement with the EU.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson

A whole range of other possible additional visa options is set out in the paper, learning from international best practise.

Fragomen’s report follows a warning from the Federation of Small Businesses that one in five businesses in Scotland could close or radically change their business model under the UK Government’s post-Brexit immigration plans.

Ian Robinson, partner at the firm, said: “It would be entirely possible to operate a Scottish immigration system distinct from the wider UK, or even continuing free movement in Scotland.

“Scotland holds a series of unique migration challenges which are not necessarily felt by the remainder of the UK. This series of recommendations could reduce, if not entirely remove, the negative impacts of the 2021 reforms.”

The SNP’s shadow immigration minister Stuart McDonald added: “Regional migration systems work well in other countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland – there is no reason why it wouldn’t in Scotland.

“It is not about replacing the UK system entirely – but providing extra tailor-made options, as happens in other countries.

“Instead of dismissing workable ideas out of hand, as it has done in the past, the UK government must have grown-up discussions with the Scottish Government to create a UK-wide migration system which includes additional options to address Scotland’s distinct demographics and support the needs of businesses, public services and communities.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “Our new points-based immigration system will work in the interests of the whole of the United Kingdom.

“The independent Migration Advisory Committee have recommended a single, less restrictive system to help attract the brightest and the best from around the globe.

“We will continue to work with stakeholders and industry in Scotland to ensure the new proposals work for all sectors.”