Scottish Work Visa Scheme

Scotland – in the House of Commons am ar 4 Medi 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Brendan O'Hara Brendan O'Hara Scottish National Party, Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of devolving the power to introduce a Scottish work visa scheme to the Scottish Government.

Photo of Kirsty Blackman Kirsty Blackman SNP Chief Whip

If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of devolving the power to introduce a Scottish work visa scheme to the Scottish Government.

Photo of Kirsty McNeill Kirsty McNeill The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland

We 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. The needs of our economy are different across the regions and nations, and different sectors have different needs. Given that skills policy and employment support are devolved, we will work with the Scottish Government when designing workforce plans for different sectors. This will ensure that our migration and skills policies work for every part of the UK.

Photo of Brendan O'Hara Brendan O'Hara Scottish National Party, Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

The tourism and hospitality sectors right across my Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency are desperate for people to come and work, but because of Brexit and the end of freedom of movement, we have the jobs but we do not have the people. The Government know that Scotland needs people, so will the Government reaffirm Jackie Baillie’s commitment—her assurance to voters—and commit to facilitating the creation of a Scottish visa?

Photo of Kirsty McNeill Kirsty McNeill The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland

We are committed to ensuring that there is effective Scottish representation on the Migration Advisory Committee, and I look forward to working with the Home Office and engaging with sectors on ensuring that immigration works for all parts of the UK.

Photo of Kirsty Blackman Kirsty Blackman SNP Chief Whip

The skilled worker salary threshold and the skills list are simply not working. Will the Minister ensure that the skilled occupation list is fit for purpose in Scotland, and that it works for our energy transition?

Photo of Kirsty McNeill Kirsty McNeill The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland

Fixing the foundations of our economy is the key to long-term prosperity. That includes future-proofing the economy for all, whether that is long-established families or new arrivals. The Chancellor will set out plans to fix the foundations in the Budget on 30 October.