The Impact of Immigration Policy on Higher Education in Scotland

That the Parliament is proud that Scotland is an attractive destination for international students; recognises that a culturally diverse student and teaching body in Scottish higher education institutions enriches intellectual, social and cultural life; welcomes the valuable contribution that international students make to the Scottish economy; shares the serious concerns raised by university principals and vice-chancellors that current UK immigration policy is damaging to the higher education sector and to Scotland’s international reputation; believes that Scotland must distance itself from the negative rhetoric of the UK Government and its restrictive immigration policies, and further believes that an immigration policy designed to meet Scotland’s needs, including a post-study work visa scheme, is needed to meet Scotland’s educational, social and economic ambitions.