Scottish Parliament – Jan. 9, 2025 – 4

The result of the division on motion S6M-16034, in the name of Kaukab Stewart, on building a migration system that supports Scotland’s economy, public services and communities, as amended, is: For 67, Against 27, Abstentions 22. Motion, as amended, agreed to, That the Parliament recognises the social, economic and cultural contribution made to Scotland by those who have chosen to live here;

notes the establishment of Scotland’s Migration Service at a cost of up to £1.5 million in the draft Budget 2025-26 to help employers, investors and individuals navigate the UK immigration system;

further notes that the Parliament has previously endorsed a motion calling for the development of a differentiated, more flexible migration policy tailored to meet Scotland’s specific needs;

calls on the UK Government to accept the Rural Visa Pilot proposal and to work directly and constructively with the Scottish Government to ensure that the needs of Scotland’s employers, communities and public services are fully reflected within the immigration system;

remains committed to ensuring that all migrants in Scotland have all of their rights fulfilled;

recognises the pervasive and increasingly hostile anti-migrant rhetoric from some politicians and media sources;

believes that further action is required by both the UK and Scottish governments to support people displaced due to the climate crisis, and calls on the UK Government to remove the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) conditions that limit the support and services available to many, especially those seeking asylum.