Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Work Visa Scheme

Wednesday 4 September 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to strengthening the Migration Advisory Committee and establishing a framework for joint working with skills bodies across the UK.
  • The government is committed to ensuring effective Scottish representation on the Migration Advisory Committee.
  • The Minister stated that fixing the foundations of the economy is key to long-term prosperity, including future-proofing for new arrivals and existing families.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Immigration Scotland
Context

The question arises from the need to address specific migration and skills issues in Scotland that differ from other parts of the UK.

Question

If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of devolving the power to introduce a Scottish work visa scheme to the Scottish Government.

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

We will strengthen the Migration Advisory Committee, and establish a framework for joint working with skills bodies across the UK, the Industrial Strategy Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. The needs of our economy are different across the regions and nations, and different sectors have different needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a direct assessment or commitment regarding devolving power to introduce a Scottish work visa scheme.

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Q2 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Immigration Brexit
Context

The tourism and hospitality sectors in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency are facing severe staffing shortages due to Brexit and the end of freedom of movement.

Question

The tourism and hospitality sectors right across my Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency are desperate for people to come and work, but because of Brexit and the end of freedom of movement, we have the jobs but we do not have the people. The Government know that Scotland needs people, so will the Government reaffirm Jackie Baillie's commitment—her assurance to voters—and commit to facilitating the creation of a Scottish visa?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

We are committed to ensuring that there is effective Scottish representation on the Migration Advisory Committee, and I look forward to working with the Home Office and engaging with sectors on ensuring that immigration works for all parts of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to facilitating a Scottish visa but mentioned commitment to effective Scottish representation on the Migration Advisory Committee.

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Q3 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Immigration Economy Scotland
Context

The current skilled worker salary threshold and skills list are deemed not effective in supporting Scotland's energy transition.

Question

The skilled worker salary threshold and the skills list are simply not working. Will the Minister ensure that the skilled occupation list is fit for purpose in Scotland, and that it works for our energy transition?

Answer from Kirsty McNeill

Fixing the foundations of our economy is the key to long-term prosperity. That includes future-proofing the economy for all, whether that is long-established families or new arrivals. The Chancellor will set out plans to fix the foundations in the Budget on 30 October.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address ensuring the skilled occupation list works for Scotland's energy transition.

How: Changed Subject

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