The Scottish Government has intensified its call for a distinct and tailored migration system, saying Westminster’s latest immigration reforms will damage Scotland’s economy, undermine vital public services, and worsen labour shortages—particularly in the care sector.

Kaukab Stewart, Scotland’s Minister for Migration, issued a strong rebuke on Monday as a series of new UK Government immigration rules officially came into effect.

These include a sharp increase in the salary threshold for skilled worker visas and the effective closure of international recruitment routes for care workers.

“These changes will prevent, rather than promote, economic growth,” Ms Stewart warned. “By increasing the salary threshold for skilled worker visas, it will become harder for people to choose to work in Scotland, hurting businesses in turn.”

Ms Stewart said the UK Government’s immigration policy “simply isn’t working for Scotland,” adding that the one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for Scotland’s unique demographic and workforce needs.

“Ending the international recruitment of #CareWorkers, without sufficient notice or any substantial consultation on its impact, will be devastating for the care sector in Scotland and across the UK,” she said.

The new rules raise the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700—a change widely criticised by employers, care providers, and business groups.

Scotland, which has faced long-standing challenges linked to rural depopulation, an ageing workforce, and labour shortages in key sectors such as health and social care, has repeatedly urged Westminster to adopt a more flexible approach.

The Scottish Government has proposed bespoke visa schemes, including a #RuralVisa Pilot and a #ScottishGraduateVisa designed to attract and retain talent in line with the nation’s economic needs.

Ms Stewart renewed her call for Westminster to engage “seriously” with Scotland’s proposals before further harm is done.

“The UK Government should listen to the large majority of businesses who support a Scottish visa to allow migrants to make a positive contribution to Scotland’s economy, public services and communities.”

So far, the UK Government has rejected calls for devolved immigration powers, maintaining that a single UK-wide system is necessary. However, critics argue that the new measures could deepen inequalities between the UK nations and regions.

The Scottish Government says the current trajectory risks worsening staff shortages, particularly in care homes, rural areas, and universities, where international students and workers make up a significant portion of the workforce.

As the political divide on immigration policy widens, pressure continues to mount on Downing Street to reconsider its position—or face a growing backlash from devolved governments and industry leaders alike.