Scotland should get its own ‘distinct’ immigration rules under new pilot

The call comes after the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) said a tailored migration policy for different parts of the UK should be taken forward.

A four-nations roundtable meeting on migration will see the Holyrood minister and Ms Noakes joined by the Welsh Government’s Brexit minister Jeremy Miles and the head of Northern Ireland’s Civil Service David Sterling.

“Given the significance of the matter to Scotland, I would also like to discuss how we can work together to deliver the regional immigration pilot projects the MAC recommended in their most recent report, which was a welcome acknowledgement of the need for tailored migration policy for different parts of the country,” his letter states.

Mr Macpherson has also renewed concerns over the proposed salary threshold of £30,000 for EU workers, which he claimed would have a “catastrophic” effect on the economy of Scotland. The country is facing a population shortfall of 500,000 and immigration is seen as vital for the future. Mr Macpherson is also seeking details on the timescale for introducing the planned new immigration system, the UK Government’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit scenario and for updates on the status of EU students in the country.