Points-based immigration system could help Scotland, academics report

A new points-based immigration system would be “best-suited'' for helping Scotland's population but is “controversial'', new research has suggested.

Academics at Edinburgh University looked at several different ways of tackling the country's “distinct set of immigration challenges'' post-Brexit.

Their research concluded that a “human capital PBS (points-based system) model is clearly the best suited for addressing Scotland's demographic needs but it is the least politically viable''.

A points-based system, as used in countries such as Canada and Australia, was considered the “most promising'' for meeting the country's long-term demographic needs, according to the report by Christina Boswell, Sarah Kyambi and Saskia Smellie from the university's School of Social and Political Science.

The experts, though, said such a method “scores poorly in terms of political viability''.

The report stated: “Of all the schemes, we consider it the most controversial because of its orientation towards extensive rights and permanent settlement, decoupled from requirements to take up particular jobs.

“More than the other schemes, it could also raise concerns about retention and onward movement to rUK as stay is not tied to a particular job.''

Over the last 12 years, migrants coming from Europe to Scotland have helped the country deal with labour shortages and boosted Scotland's population.

But with the UK having voted to leave the EU, the report considered “options for sustaining immigration flows to Scotland post-Brexit''.

Introducing a lower skills and salary threshold for immigrants coming to Scotland compared to the rest of the UK would do “moderately well'' in terms of addressing demographic needs.

While such a scheme could build on existing systems, the report said it would be “controversial if it introduced a lower skills/salary threshold for Scotland''.

Meanwhile, a post-study work scheme - whereby graduates can work in Scotland after they have completed their studies - would also do “moderately well'' in meeting demographic needs.

The report added that this method “does not encourage permanent settlement, so would contribute less substantially to population-growth targets''.

The Scottish Government said the new publication was a “valuable contribution to the debate on the need for sensible immigration policies''.

Alasdair Allan, minister for international development and Europe, added: “The current UK-wide approach is not fit for purpose and is damaging to Scotland's economy.

“We have long called for immigration policies that are tailored to meet Scotland's own needs and circumstances, which encourage the best and brightest to come and make Scotland their home, welcoming the many contributions they can make to our economy and society.'