Sarwar urged to back Scottish visa to boost economy
The SNP has long argued that there should be more generous visa rules for Scotland because it relies on migration for population growth citing other states, including Canada as having a a "differentiated" immigration system for provinces based on local needs.
In 2020, in the wake of Brexit, which was expected to lower immigration to the UK, Nicola Sturgeon's government published a paper arguing for some devolution of immigration policy to Scotland.
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It argued that 'Scotland is more reliant on migration than elsewhere in the UK' and noted that the population of Scotland would be falling if not for migration from the rest of the UK and overseas.
The SNP has championed a positive message on immigration arguing people from overseas can help fill vacancies and with more people paying income tax help generate revenue for public services.
A separate immigration system for Scotland has been supported by the think tank Reform Scotland, chaired by former Labour first minister Lord McConnell, who introduced measures allowing overseas students to live in Scotland for a period after graduation.
Mr Gethins, who is the MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, has written to the Scottish Labour leader to ask for his MPs' support for the the Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill ahead of a vote in the Commons on Friday.
SNP MP Stephen Gethins (Image: Newsquest) In his letter, Mr Gethins said the second reading is an 'opportunity' to work 'together' on creating a Scottish visa and immigration system that works north of the Border.
He wrote: 'You will know that Scottish industries and the higher education sector are supportive of an immigration system that will keep our economy and our industries competitive and at the cutting edge of innovation.
"We know from the UK Treasury's own analysis that Brexit has hammered our economy, but Scotland also faces a unique demographic challenge, with both the overall population and the working age population projected to decline.
'For far too long, Westminster has made UK-wide immigration policy that doesn't work for Scotland and I know that you recognise this, having previously acknowledged the need for a 'bespoke solution' for Scotland.
'Prior to the general election, both you and [Scottish Labour deputy leader] Jackie Baillie signalled a UK Labour government would be open to talks on a Scottish visa. Jackie Baillie said discussions made 'common sense', while you said you had already held discussions with the Home Secretary.
'This was a commitment also made by - [former Conservative minister] Michael Gove prior to the EU referendum, who understood the challenges that taking us out of the EU would cause Scottish sectors. In this he has been proved right, but like in other areas he failed to deliver.
'In presenting this proposal, I am putting forward a suggestion that has been supported by other political parties, stakeholders and the leading think-tank Reform Scotland and it is my hope you will instruct Scottish Labour MPs to rise above party politics and back our Bill in the interests of Scotland's economy.'
The Labour manifesto promised to bring 'joined-up thinking, ensuring that migration to address skills shortages triggers a plan to upskill workers and improve working conditions in the UK'.
However, Scottish Labour and the UK government do not support the introduction of a Scottish-specific visa.
Responding to the letter, a Scottish Labour spokesperson said: 'The needs of our economy are different across the regions and nations, and different sectors have different needs.
"Labour has always said that we will ensure that our migration and skills policy work for every part of the UK.
"A Scottish Labour government will work with the UK government to design workforce plans for different sectors and ensure Scotland's needs are met."
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