We need controlled immigration

We have a long, proud history of welcoming people into Scotland, including those fleeing persecution and war. The current weaponisation of immigration and asylum seekers in the UK is largely based on factual inaccuracies and dangerous misinformation. The Labour government at Westminster does not seem to care to dispute these harmful lies - instead choosing to pander to a volatile and toxic xenophobia which has infiltrated our politics.

The SNP supports an immigration policy that works for Scotland - benefitting the needs of Scotland’s economy and people, whilst ensuring compassion and humanity in all that we do.

Scotland thrives with the support of immigrants. Brexit, and the subsequent demonisation of immigrants, has resulted in a shortage of vital NHS and care staff in Scotland. In 2023, 144,723 Health and Care Worker Visas were issued, but only 26,922 were issued in 2024. Our NHS relies on the expertise of international medical and care staff to support Scotland’s health and social care needs - particularly those of an ageing population. This drastic drop is the result of the Conservative's ban on overseas health and care workers bringing their families to the UK in 2024 - a decision doubled down on by Labour who have ended overseas care recruitment despite the significant pressures faced by health boards across the UK.

Agriculture, tourism and hospitality are further vital industries for Scotland’s economy that necessarily rely on international talent. Harmful Westminster immigration policies are thus actively working to prohibit Scotland’s growth. We need working age people to want to come to Scotland and contribute to our economy and society, to help our small nation prosper.

The removal of these routes by the last Conservative UK government has given those seeking refuge no choice but to physically present themselves in the UK - a decision that has resulted in a huge increase in asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats. These crossings are incredibly risky, and have resulted in at least 162 deaths since 2018, many of which could have been avoided.

The isolationism of Brexit has increased the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK, whilst simultaneously withdrawing us from the Dublin Regulation - a key EU law which determines which state is responsible for the processing of an asylum application. In doing so, Westminster have self inflicted an inability to effectively process asylum applications, meaning that failed asylum seekers cannot be legally returned to Europe. We continue to call on the Labour UK Government to rejoin the Regulation as soon as possible, to streamline the process of seeking asylum for those who deserve safety and respect.

At the heart of this issue lies one key factor: immigration is reserved to Westminster - the Scottish Government has no jurisdiction in this matter. Scotland needs working aged immigrants to contribute to our economy and society, yet we are continually harmed by these shameful policies put in place by successive Westminster governments as they trip over themselves to pander to xenophobia. I believe that the Scottish Government, elected by the people of Scotland, and accountable to the Scottish Parliament, is best placed to make decisions about migration in Scotland.

We deserve an immigration policy which meets the needs of our economy, NHS and public services. Asylum seekers are not to blame for soaring energy bills or a housing emergency - that responsibility lies with Westminster, for decades of real terms cuts to Scotland’s block grant through Barnett consequentials, and their failure to control the cost of living crisis. Scotland wants no part in the divisive politics of fear which is playing out in Westminster.

An independent Scotland under the SNP would have a points based immigration system that would prioritise our NHS and those most able to contribute to our economy, while also supporting those seeking refuge from wars, like those we have welcomed from Ukraine and Syria.

To safeguard our NHS, Scotland needs the continued support of our international colleagues.

The lack of legal routes for those seeking asylum in the UK is shameful and above all, incredibly unsafe.

Only a vote for the SNP on May 7th can ensure that Scotland is led by a government which makes decisions based on Scotland’s needs and values of compassion and inclusion. Hatred has no place in the hearts of Scots.