Scotland's migration needs examined

• Watch Parliament TV: Immigration and Scotland
• Inquiry: Immigration and Scotland
• Scottish Affairs Committee

Scotland's migration needs

Currently all EU citizens have the right to live and work in any EU country, and therefore the UK Government has been unable to put in place any restrictions on the movement of EU citizens, or their entitlement to work in the UK. Immigration of non-EU citizens, however, is largely restricted to international students and skilled workers. In 2016, non-UK EU nationals made up 5% of Scotland's workforce, with non-EU nationals comprising 2.4%. 
  
In this session, the Committee will examine the current immigration system and how it meets Scotland's migration needs, such as filling skills shortages and employment gaps, and also how to respond to future challenges, such as demographic changes in population age and growth.

Options for differentiated immigration arrangements in Scotland will also be considered, including changes that might be made in order to provide more explicitly for Scotland's current and future needs.

Witnesses

Tuesday 30 January 2018, Committee Room 8, Palace of Westminster

From 9.45 am

• Dr Benedict Greening, Senior Researcher, Migration Watch UK
• Chris Murray, Research Fellow, Institute for Public Policy Research
• Madeleine Sumption, Director, Migration Observatory 

Chair's comments

Committee Chair Pete Wishart said:

"During this inquiry, the Committee has heard from academics, business and sectoral representatives about how well Scotland's current immigration arrangements serve the labour needs of Scottish business, and what addition challenges Brexit may create.

We are looking forward to discussing how the immigration system might be changed to ensure it reflects Scotland demographic and labour needs."

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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