Scottish Government Proposes New Visa Routes for Workers

The Scottish government has proposed three immigration routes aimed at attracting Nigerians and other foreign workers to address labor shortages and an ageing population. These proposals are outlined in a policy paper titled "Migration: supporting the future of Scotland's communities." None of the routes are currently operational and require UK government approval.

The first route is a person-centred visa that does not require a confirmed job offer, assessing applicants based on age, skills, and potential contributions. It would last for five years and three months, leading to settlement.

The second route targets rural and island communities, allowing employers to recommend candidates for genuine vacancies to the UK Home Office, with local support for integration. The third route, the Scottish Graduate Visa, aims to retain international students by extending their stay for up to two additional years after graduation, allowing them to transition to a Skilled Worker visa.

This proposal is urgent due to the UK government's plan to reduce the standard Graduate Visa duration from two years to 18 months starting in 2027.