A SCOTTISH visa specifically targeted at designated areas could be an option to address the declining and ageing population in Scotland’s remote and rural parts, according to a group of academics.

The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Migration and Population identified the measure in a report published yesterday on designing a remote and rural migration pilot scheme (RRMS).

It said such a scheme would operate on a points-based system that prioritised entrants’ occupations and skills, age, family or dependents, language skills and ties to the area – rather than employers identifying individuals.

The group, chaired by Edinburgh University professor Christina Boswell, said the Scottish Government would set a quota for the number of migrants to be admitted to a designated area under the scheme, which would need to offer “a generous package of rights from the outset, including recourse to public funds”.

There would be a four-year requirement to remain, after which migrants would be eligible for permanent residency and full UK mobility rights.

A Scottish visa was one of three options to the well-documented demographic challenges facing remote and rural areas, most of which have more deaths than births, as well as declining and ageing populations.

“At the same time, low levels of net migration from other areas of Scotland, the UK and overseas (especially compared to Scotland’s cities), means that population decline is not being offset by in-migration,” said the authors.

“Population ageing and decline can have a range of negative effects for local communities, reducing their capacity to sustain local services and businesses.”

Another option for a RRMS was the Expanded Skilled Worker route – previously known as Tier 2 –whereby conditions would be relaxed for entrants in designated areas.

The approach would be through tailored shortage occupation lists, including those of strategic importance to designated remote and rural areas, and would allow a wider range of skills and salaries than currently permitted.

A third option was modelled on the Canadian Atlantic Pilot scheme and would be “job-based” within a broader partnership between local authorities, employers, public services and the voluntary sector.

Under this, the Scottish Government would work with councils and employers in designated areas to develop a strategic plan, including identifying occupations seen as crucial for mitigating population decline.

Migration Minister Jenny Gilruth welcomed the report but added: “The UK Government failed to meaningfully consult the Scottish Government on the new immigration rules which now apply following the end of freedom of movement, and we have already firmly outlined our concerns about the damaging impact of both the new immigration system and Brexit on Scotland’s population. 

“The Scottish Government is clear that we need a migration policy tailored to the distinct needs of Scotland’s economy, our public services, and our communities. The current approach to migration does not meet Scotland’s needs – especially in rural and remote communities. 

“I urge the UK Government to work constructively with us to develop a fairer and more collaborative approach to migration policy.”