Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 February 2026
Correspondence to Elspeth Macdonald, CEO, Scottish Fishers Federation, on any implications that the planned changes to Skilled Workers visas could have on the industry, dated 11 February.
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Fisheries and the marine environment
Summary
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee writes to the Scottish Fishers Federation CEO seeking the industry's assessment of planned changes to Skilled Worker visas. The Home Office has rejected sector-specific visa exceptions, arguing the industry must develop sustainable workforce strategies and noting concerns about migrant labour exploitation. The committee seeks clarity on practical impacts and sustainability risks.
Key findings
- Home Office rejects sector-specific visa exceptions for fishing and emphasises industry must address underlying workforce shortage causes without special immigration routes
- Government acknowledges fishing sector challenges—remote locations, low pay, difficult conditions—but argues limited historical use of Skilled Worker provisions and concerns about exploitation justify the policy
- Home Office refuses more flexible visa routes while exploitation and illegal working risks persist in the sector
- Individuals already in UK on visas with general work rights, including Youth Mobility Scheme participants, may work in fishing where employers can recruit them
- Committee remains concerned about labour availability impacts and sustainability of fishing operations, particularly in migrant-labour-dependent areas
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Alistair Carmichael MP, Elspeth Macdonald, Scottish Fishers Federation, Home Office, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Notable line
“… ment notes that it does not intend to grant sector‑specific exceptions and emphasises the need for the industry to develop a sustainable workforce strategy.”
Key Quotes
“… the Government's approach links migration, skills and labour‑market policy with the aim of reducing reliance on international recruitment and encouraging industries to address underlying causes of workforce shortages.”
“… a more flexible visa route cannot be considered while such r isks persist.”
“The Committee remains concerned about the practical impact these changes may have on labour availability within the industry and on the sustainability of fishing operations, particularly in areas heavily reliant on migrant labour.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗