Scotland eyes new graduate visa for international students

• The Scottish Government has proposed a dedicated visa specific to the international graduates of Scottish universities and colleges-the proposal aims to allow this demographic to remain in Scotland upon completing their studies. First Minister John Swinney announced the plan, reiterating the potential of keeping skilled people in Scotland to contribute much to bolster Scotland's economy. 

• Proposed by the Scottish Graduate Visa, which aims to address Scotland's specific demographic and economic needs, this initiative plans that international graduates will be allowed to work in Scotland and contribute to its economy. 

• This will invite and retain those people who promise to augment skill and talent that are required for the growth of Scotland's economy and a caring society.The Graduate Visa of the UK allows foreign students to stay and work in UK without restriction for up to two years after completing their degrees, as against three years for those with PhD degrees. 

• It however contends that such a thing is not suitable for Scotland and an approach tailored particularly to its needs must be applied. It also forms part of broader plans to make Scotland a more attractive destination for international students while also addressing the ageing population and skilled-labour shortages in vital sectors. 

• By facilitating retention, Scotland hoped to build an economic powerhouse and deliver a torrent of cultural diversification into the spectra of Scottish lies. 

• The Scottish Government will enter discussions with the UK Government on how to take the implementation of the visa forward, seeking to work together to build a system within the UK immigration system that meets Scotland's exceptional requirements.