The row over immigration in an independent Scotland flared again last night with claims that customs posts would be needed on the English border.
Scottish External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf said Scotland would set its own immigration policy as the country’s needs would be different from those down south.
However, the Conservatives claimed the UK Government, which has opted out of EU policies on freedom of movement, would want to block migrants to Scotland moving south.
Speaking ahead of International Migrants Day, which is today, he said it was important to celebrate the “enormous contribution” migrants have made.
“Migration has been good for Scotland. We have different needs to the rest of the UK and healthy population growth is important for our economy,” Mr Yousaf said.
“Scotland’s Future sets out this government’s proposals which would enable Scotland to build a controlled immigration system which meets our own social and economic needs.
“This would include reintroducing the post-study work visa to allow us to attract the best minds and providing incentives for migrants to live and work in remoter areas to help develop industries, often where there are local skills shortages, and keep communities sustainable.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: “If the SNP wants a different immigration policy to the rest of the UK, that’s fine.
“But the Scottish Government must concede that would have a very direct bearing on the ability to move freely between Scotland and England. It would almost certainly lead to border controls.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “These claims are simply scaremongering. Our controlled immigration system will be robust and secure, enabling the Scottish Government to ensure that those granted entry are here for the right reasons. An independent Scotland will remain in the Common Travel Area.