SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has joined colleagues in calling for a migration system that works for Scotland, after Scottish Government proposals submitted to the Home Office were not included in the UK Government’s recent immigration white paper.

In April, the Western Isles MSP conducted a survey amongst local businesses, which found that 62% were struggling with filling vacancies, while an overwhelming 87% were in favour of the introduction of a Scottish Rural Visa.

The islands’ Labour MP at Westminster has previously expressed support for a tailored visa system, a position that appears to be at odds with that of his party colleagues. The ability to legislate on matters relating to both employment and immigration remain reserved to Westminster.

Speaking ahead of a debate on the matter in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, Alasdair Allan said:

“Clearly, the UK’s current one-size-fits-all immigration approach is not working for Scotland, and is certainly not working for our islands. From out of touch minimum salary requirements to the lack of flexibility around which jobs are included on the skilled worker visa list, unfortunately the UK Government just isn’t listening to devolved governments or local communities about their needs. This was demonstrated recently by the UK Government’s decision to stop allowing care workers to be employed from overseas – not considering the huge proportion of the care sector workforce that is currently made up of hardworking individuals from other countries, who have chosen to come to the UK to work in a demanding and vital job supporting older people here.

“Those who have chosen to make Scotland their home contribute significantly to our communities, our public services and our economy. Every effort that has been made by the Scottish Government to find solutions to the current system’s huge shortfalls has been dismissed by Westminster. The UK Government’s immigration white paper completely fails to account for our distinct demographic or economic needs, and instead panders to false anti-immigration rhetoric of right-wing parties.

“Region-specific visas have been proven to work in other countries, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program in Canada. As well continuing to push the UK Government to introduce a more appropriate visa system for Scotland’s needs, we must also continue working to reduce depopulation in our rural and island areas, ensuring that working aged people can find affordable housing, childcare and good jobs to continue being a part of their local communities.”