The Scottish governments is working towards a more liberal immigration system for international students, charting a course that could be independent of the new points based system that has been adopted by the UK.
Of the total number of Indian students in the UK, at least 13% are enrolled in universities based in Scotland. In 2008, the UK, which comprises the regions of England. Scotland and Wales, issued around 30,000 visas to Indian students. Scotland now follows the UK’s new points-based visa system under which international students have to apply under Tier 4.AN easing of the norms by Scotland could mean extra points earned by international students when they apply for work permits and permanent residence in Scotland after their studies. Such a step will make Scotland an attractive destination for international students.” There is an effort within out government to move towards an independent immigration system, which will make it simpler for students, professional and entrepreneurs to come to Scotland to study, work or set up business ,” Michael Rusell,Scotland’s minister for culture, external affairs and the constitution, told ET.Mr Russell said the Scottish government was in the process of closely studying the immigration rules of Canada, where provinces shared responsibility on immigration matters and had a policy geared to meet local needs.” We could draw from that model, which will help us to tap the huge skilled, young talent pool in India,” Mr. Russell said, adding that the Scottish economy has huge skills gaps and was keen to put in place an immigration policy that addressed the needs of the Labour marketing Scotland.
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