Roddick takes Inverness case to Holyrood: warns Tory migration policies are harming Highland Healthcare

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has warned that the UK Government’s immigration policies are causing harm to local healthcare services and threatening the livelihoods of skilled workers, and has taken the case of a local worker to Holyrood to highlight the urgency.  Her warning comes after an Inverness-based dental hygienist, Akhil Anil, spoke out about how recent changes to the skilled worker visa route could force him to leave the country.

Ms Roddick highlighted the case of Mr Anil, who fears the new rules could lead to an exodus of highly qualified dental staff from the Highlands, to the First Minister.  The MSP argued that the UK Government’s “cruel” policies are harming individuals like Akhil, and that Scotland should have control over its own migration routes to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers.

The Inverness Courier reported on Wednesday that Mr Anil has worked hard to “contribute to the system” and that the situation has been difficult for him to come to terms with.

Ms Roddick said:

“The UK Government’s cruel and heartless approach to immigration is not only damaging our health sector, it’s also causing immense distress to people who have chosen to make a home and a life for themselves in the Highlands.  Akhil’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of these policies. He has worked hard and contributed meaningfully to our community, only to have his future thrown into uncertainty through no fault of his own.

“The Highlands and Islands in particular rely on attracting skilled workers to fill vital roles, and the policies being implemented by Westminster bosses are a direct threat to that. The only way we can protect our public services and ensure we have the workforce we need is for Scotland to have the power to create a migration system that works for us, not against us.”