A north-east MSP has claimed planned changes to the immigration system will damage Scotland’s “economy, communities, NHS and public services.”
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart hit out last night against proposals to introduce a £30,000 minimum salary threshold for skilled EU migrants living in the UK post-Brexit.
The UK Government says the measure is designed to protect businesses reliant on overseas labour and is already in place for those living outside of the 27 EU member states.
However Mr Stewart said the move would reduce the number of workers coming to Scotland from the European Economic Area by as much as 85%.
And as a result, this would reduce GDP by nearly £7billion a year by 2040.
Mr Stewart said: “These Tory proposals will cause catastrophic damage for our public services – it is absolutely vital that we continue to attract people to live and work here.
“Tory plans on immigration will also devastate local businesses, with a £30,000 salary threshold on EU migrants slashing the workforce available to Scottish firms.”
The UK Government has said the policy would make good on the pre-referendum promise to “take back control” of the borders and follows recommendations from an independent migration adviser.