Equality chief calls for ‘extra points’ for immigrants coming to Scotland

The head of Britain’s equality agency has this week claimed that approval of immigration applications should be weighted towards those wanting to settle in Scotland.

Trevor Phillips, the chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, claims the new points system should reward those not wanting to live in London and the south-east of England, directly affecting the success or failure of immigrant's visa applications.

Mr Phillips argues that Scotland should take the lead in this venture, particularly in response to skills gaps faced by employers in the country.

The Border and Immigration agency are said to be compiling a list of skill shortages which is to be published in June, and agrees that the points system could be implemented to deal with "specific issues about Scotland, such as the declining population."

Mr Phillips told employers at the annual forum of the Scottish Council Development and Industry that it is in their interests to fill workforce skill gaps by encouraging immigration.

He pointed to the examples of Australia and Canada, whose long-standing points-driven immigration policies are considered highly successful, as illustrations of how the system could work.

In both countries their points are based around family links, work, language and education and the policies are also based around relocating migrants to areas with lesser population pressures.

The Chairman did, however, concede the possibility of a “leakage” from Scotland due to migrants claiming to want to settle in the country but then relocating to other areas.

"This would attract talent, get talent to where it's needed and reduce the over-concentration in London and the south-east. It would help Scottish businesses and a lot of migrants who don't think of going to Scotland," Phillips argued.

The Equalities Chief for the Assimilation of Immigrants in Scotland celebrated the measure by asserting that immigrants were more likely to be receptive to a Scottish identity. He said: “Scotland has an advantage in integrating new migrants and getting them to feel they belong."

It has been argued that Scotland has a greater need than England to encourage immigration because of long-term population decline.