Scottish Work Visa Scheme

Brendan O'Hara (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber) (SNP) and Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen North) (SNP) asked the Government to assess the potential merits of devolving the power to introduce a Scottish work visa scheme to the Scottish Government. In response, Kirsty McNeill, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, stated that the Government 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. She acknowledged that the needs of the economy differ across the regions and nations, and that different sectors have different needs. Given that skills policy and employment support are devolved, the Government will work with the Scottish Government when designing workforce plans for different sectors to ensure that migration and skills policies work for every part of the UK. Brendan O'Hara followed up, highlighting the desperate need for workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors in his constituency due to Brexit and the end of freedom of movement. He urged the Government to reaffirm Jackie Baillie's commitment and facilitate the creation of a Scottish visa. Kirsty Blackman then intervened, stating that the skilled worker salary threshold and the skills list are simply not working. She asked the Minister to ensure that the skilled occupation list is fit for purpose in Scotland and works for the energy transition. In response, Kirsty McNeill reiterated the Government's commitment to fixing the foundations of the economy, including future-proofing it for all, whether long-established families or new arrivals. She stated that the Chancellor will set out plans to fix the foundations in the Budget on 30 October.