The Scottish Government has issued a sharp warning that the UK Government ’s proposed overhaul of immigration rules poses a “significant risk” to Scotland’s social care system.

Social care minister Tom Arthur said he was “deeply worried” by the plans announced by Shabana Mahmood last week, which would extend the waiting period for permanent settlement for many migrant workers to 10 or even 15 years, three times longer than the current standard.

Mr Arthur said this comes at a time of already severe workforce shortages and a dramatic collapse in overseas recruitment.

Addressing the issue in the Holyrood chamber today, Mr Arthur said shortages in the care sector had been “already exacerbated” by a sharp fall in health and social care visas issued by the UK Home Office , with new da

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