Scotland’s inability to bring in workers with the skills the country needs is holding back the growth of our economy and adds to the problems facing the Highlands and Islands.
Scotland once had what was effectively its own visa system, a post-study work visa for international students. The Fresh Talent Initiative, agreed 20 years ago with Westminster, allowed foreign students who graduated from Scottish universities to secure a work visa. It ran from 2004 to 2008 and was eventually killed off by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition in Westminster.
The typical answer that Unionist politicians give when asked about the need for a separate Scottish visa is to make out that Scotland is just not attractive to migrants. That is not true.
Scotland is fighting for talent with its hands tied behind its back. It is very difficult for Scottish businesses to recruit from abroad, using a set of criteria set for another country with different requirements and a different economy. It is equally hard for them to lure migrants who have been hired into English businesses to a country where salaries are lower.
If Scotland wants to grow its economy it needs to control the powers of migration and bring in workers and families with the appropriate skills.