The challenges facing Scotland in achieving its aim of attracting new immigrants: 7 June 2023

The think tanks British Future and Reform Scotland were delighted to host an in-person discussion about the challenges facing Scotland in achieving its aim of attracting new immigrants.

Two years ago, the British government opened an immigration route from Hong Kong to the UK, an opportunity more than 150,000 people have since taken. However, relatively few have chosen to make their new home north of the Border.

Scotland’s stark demographic projections show the nation needs more immigrants in order to bolster its population, workforce and economy. There is a consensus among the political parties at Holyrood that Scotland should welcome more arrivals from overseas.

So why aren’t more immigrants, from Hong Kong and other countries, making Scotland their new home? And what can be done to attract them?

Keynote speech from Emma Roddick MSP, Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees

Followed by a panel discussion including:

Heather Rolfe, Director of Research and Relationships at British Future
Mina Ko, Refugee Communications Project Manager at Welcome Churches (UKHK)
Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Covid recovery

The discussion will be chaired by Chris Deerin, Director of Reform Scotland.

This event took place on Wednesday 7 June at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. A recording of the event can be watched here: