Pilot for rural visas proposed

A proposal for a bespoke rural visa pilot scheme for Scotland has been published by the Scottish Government.

 

The community-driven and employer-based migration plan has been jointly developed by the Scottish Government, local authorities and key representatives from employers and partners based within remote and rural communities.

 

The proposal, which requires to be implemented by the UK Government, is modelled on the successful Canadian Atlantic Immigration Program.

 

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has written to the UK Government, setting out the proposal alongside a wider call for a tailored migration policy which meets the needs of Scotland’s economy, public services and communities.

 

Ms Gougeon said: 'The proposal sets out exactly how a bespoke immigration solution could be delivered at a local level in Scotland, now. These are interventions that can work in Scotland, just as they have worked in Canada.

 

'We believe that an independent Scotland would be best placed to deliver an immigration system which would meet Scotland’s needs. But employers, businesses, and communities are all telling us that actions are needed now.

 

'That is why we are calling upon the UK Government to make the required reforms to its ‘one size fits all’ immigration system with immediate effect, to avoid ongoing and further damage being done to Scotland.'

 

Theona Morrison, chairperson for Scottish Rural Action said: 'Scottish Rural Action has been pleased to contribute to the design of the Scottish Rural Community Immigration Pilot (SRCIP) proposal.

 

'Rural and island communities across Scotland have demanded specific responses, and so we have been encouraged to see that the SRCIP has been designed to reflect the needs of individual communities.

 

'We hope that the UK Government considers this proposal and acts upon it in ways that support the flourishing of rural and island communities in Scotland.'

 

NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said: 'Chronic labour shortages continue to have a profound effect on Scottish farms and the wider food production system so any steps to address this long-running labour crisis are welcome.

 

'This proposal presents a community-driven, employer-based migration route targeting areas of remote, rural Scotland where population has been falling.  Farming and crofting are critical "resilience" industries for rural Scotland and NFU Scotland want its members to be able to recruit the right people with the right skills, otherwise they will be unable to sustain their businesses because of staff shortages

 

'We also want the UK Government to engage with industry to review, improve, and expand the SAWP scheme and make significant changes to the Shortage Occupation List criteria to alleviate staffing shortages across the whole food sector.  NFU Scotland will discuss this and other key issues facing the sector when attending the forthcoming Conservative Party Conference.'

 

Ariane Burgess MSP said about the pilot scheme: 'The Highlands and Islands have continued to show an openness to folks wanting to come and live in this wonderful landscape, as shown by the welcome to Ukrainian displaced people.

 

'We have long seen the decline of our rural populations, shown by workplace shortages as well as our declining school rolls. With rural Scotland anticipated to benefit from the Green jobs generated by nature restoration and the just transition to a net zero economy, I am encouraged to see that the Scottish Government is moving to address the failures of the Tory Government in Westminster and their hostile environment policies.

 

'There will be challenges in integration along the way but I’m confident that, with Greens in Government, the Highlands and Islands can provide a supportive community that welcomes everyone who wishes to call Scotland their home.'

 

For more more information visit www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-rural-visa-pilot-proposal-september-2022/