A SERIES of urgent changes to immigration rules must be made to address the acute labour market shortages caused by Brexit and the limitations of the UK Government’s immigration system.
In a letter to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson writes:
“Scottish Ministers warned the UK Government about the impact of the ending of freedom of movement and the limitations of the current international immigration system. We are now seeing that impact.”
Mr Robertson calls on the Home Secretary to:
- Immediately introduce a 24 month temporary workers visa
- Urgently review the Shortage Occupation List which is no longer fit for purpose
- Immediately change the immigration fee structure which is a barrier and cost for employers and workers
The letter adds:
“The current immigration system is not meeting the needs of Scotland. At the moment it is not meeting the needs of sectors across the UK. This position is not sustainable and I would ask you to work with us to urgently develop and implement change.”
