THE next independence whitepaper will set out the Scottish Government’s vision for a migration system based on “dignity, fairness and respect”.
On Friday, ministers will publish the sixth paper in the Building a New Scotland series focusing on the importance of immigrants to the country and setting out a different approach to the current “hostile environment” purported by Westminster.
The Scottish Government has long called for immigration to be devolved to attract more working-age people to the country, and help pay for the ageing population via taxes.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf defends Nicola Sturgeon amid Covid WhatsApps row
The latest paper is expected to set out how Scotland can benefit both socially and economically from increased migration.
The new independence blueprint will be launched in Dundee by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, Independence Minister Jamie Hepburn and Migration Minister Emma Roddick on Friday.
Ahead of the announcement, Somerville (below) said the paper would lay out new Scottish Government agencies and visa routes that would help to attract people to the country.
“People who come to live and work in Scotland are vital to our country’s future – not only for the contribution they make to our culture and communities but also for supporting economic growth and sustaining public services,” she said.
“The proposals in this paper, including new visa routes and agencies, would support people with a wide range of skills to make Scotland their home.
“Independence is essential in order to get the powers Scotland needs to build a migration system that works for every part of our country and which has dignity, fairness and respect at its core.
“The UK Government’s Brexit policy and its approach to migration and asylum do not reflect the attitudes of most people in Scotland and are damaging our economy: we need to boost our working population, not reduce it.
“Under current constitutional arrangements Scotland’s population is projected to fall, so I look forward to discussing the opportunities that independence and control of migration policy will bring.”
READ MORE: Scottish Gaza activist speaks out after arrest following Dundee march
The latest census figures revealed that while Scotland’s population had grown to a record number, without migration, the population of Scotland would have decreased by around 49,800 since 2011.
It also revealed an ageing population, with First Minister Humza Yousaf stating that reversing overall population decline could be achieved by independence.
“I am in no doubt that alongside the climate crisis, the challenges of an ageing population are among the biggest issues future generations will face in Scotland, unless action is taken today,” Yousaf said in July.
Migration is currently reserved to Westminster, with policy differences between the two governments previously causing friction.
In early 2020, then first minister Nicola Sturgeon (above) called for a separate visa system north of the border to address demographic issues.
A call that was summarily rejected just hours after it was made.
However, recent polling showed that Scots are “broadly comfortable” with migration and almost three-fifth believe it has a positive impact on the country.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Our points-based system rightly prioritises the skills we already have in the UK, while attracting the talent our economy needs to grow. It is broader than the previous immigration system, with many more jobs now eligible, stretching across all key sectors of the British economy.
“Immigration is a reserved matter for the UK Government, and the points-based system works in the interest of the whole of the UK.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel