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Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, has asserted that Scotland should not depend on migrant workers to fill positions within its social care sector. Speaking at the party’s policy conference in Edinburgh, Sarwar emphasized the need to address the “broken immigration system” and advocated for improving wages to attract more local workers into social care roles. His remarks followed warnings from a social care organization that recent immigration proposals by the UK government could have seriously detrimental effects on Scotland’s care services.
Scottish Labour’s leader outlined ambitious plans during the conference, including the creation of a specialized mental health service and strengthened community policing efforts. Sarwar expressed his commitment to delivering “big, bold and meaningful change” if his party secures victory in the upcoming Holyrood elections. This announcement coincided with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s recent introduction of multiple immigration policy changes, notably extending the required period before settlement for health and social care workers on post-Brexit visas to 15 years, a significant increase from the current five-year threshold.
The organization Scottish Care, representing independent care providers, has voiced strong opposition to these immigration reforms, describing them as “insensitive to Scotland’s distinct needs.” Its chief executive, Donald Macaskill, conveyed deep concern about the sector’s already stretched workforce, warning that extended settlement waiting periods could discourage valuable international employees from remaining in Scotland. Sarwar agreed that social care faces a crisis but insisted that the solution lies in properly funding the sector and creating clear career pathways. He criticized the practice of paying low wages and relying on migrants to fill vacancies, stating: “I do not think it appropriate to pay poverty wages to social care workers then rely on immigrants to come and fill those jobs.”
Sarwar also addressed broader immigration issues, supporting the UK government’s goal for a managed migration system that balances skill needs with immigration levels. He affirmed Scotland’s identity as “an open welcoming and tolerant nation” but stressed the importance of reducing reliance on migrant workers by retaining homegrown talent. He noted the investment Scotland makes in educating professionals who ultimately leave the country to find work elsewhere, adding: “Whether that be nurses, doctors or teachers I want those people to stay here in Scotland.” Additionally, he pledged the establishment of a Mental Health Emergency Response Service, designed to support individuals experiencing mental health crises and relieve pressure on police resources. Sarwar promised that if elected, Scottish Labour would introduce 9,000 new apprenticeships and provide a distinct alternative to the current government, describing the election as a choice between “more failure, more incompetence and more waste” under the SNP or transformative change under his leadership.
The Scottish Government criticized the UK’s immigration policies as “hostile and restrictive,” claiming they harm the country’s health and social care sectors. Health Secretary Neil Gray underscored the urgency of a migration system tailored to Scotland’s needs, expressing hope that full migration powers following independence would allow Scotland to better address these challenges. Meanwhile, the UK government intends to implement these immigration reforms starting in spring 2026, following a consultation period concluding in February. In related developments, Mahmood recently proposed a major overhaul of the asylum system, including replacing permanent refugee status with temporary status subject to periodic review every 30 months
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