Commons2nd readingView on Parliament.uk

Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill

A Bill to amend the Scotland Act 1998 to grant legislative competence to the Scottish Parliament in respect of immigration.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Stephen GethinsScottish National Party

Last Updated

2 December 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would give the Scottish Parliament power to make laws about immigration. It would amend the Scotland Act 1998 to transfer immigration powers from the UK Parliament to Holyrood, allowing Scotland to regulate immigration policy within its borders. It does not create separate border controls and would operate within the wider UK immigration framework.

Key Points

Amends the Scotland Act 1998 to transfer immigration legislative competence to the Scottish Parliament.
Allows Scotland to legislate on immigration policy relevant to Scotland within the UK-wide framework.
UK Parliament would retain powers over reserved immigration matters (e.g., asylum and border control).
The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons and is sponsored by Stephen Gethins (SNP).
Official documents include 1 Bill and 1 Briefing Paper.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it advances, it would move to committee, report, and third readings in both Houses, before any final approval and royal assent.

Who is affected?

People living in Scotland or planning to move thereMigrants and asylum seekers affected by immigration rules (insofar as Scotland’s rules apply)Employers and businesses in Scotland relying on migrant workersLocal authorities and public services in ScotlandScottish Government and Scottish Parliament as policy-makersImmigration lawyers and advisory services operating in ScotlandUK Government departments (e.g., Home Office) and border agencies in relation to the reserved framework

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill

28 Apr 2025

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, started on Friday 25 April 2025. At 2.30 pm proceedings were interrupted (Standing Order No. 11(2)).

Debate to be resumed on Friday 29 May 2026.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Monday 21 October 2024.

Documents (2)

Bill 37 2024-25 (as introduced)

BillCommons

22 Apr 2025

Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland)

Briefing papersCommons

17 Apr 2025

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Devolution (Immigration) (Scotland) Bill | TrackPolitics