Commons2nd reading

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

Parliament last updated

2 December 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would change the Scotland Act 1998 to give the Scottish Parliament the power to make laws about immigration. In effect, it aims to devolve immigration powers from Westminster to Holyrood so Scotland can legislate on immigration matters. It is brought forward in the House of Commons by Stephen Gethins of the SNP and is currently at the second-reading stage in the Commons.

Key Points

Amends the Scotland Act 1998 to confer immigration legislative competence on the Scottish Parliament.
Provides that Scotland could legislate on immigration matters relevant to Scotland, rather than these rules being set only at Westminster.
Introduced in the Commons by Stephen Gethins (SNP) and originates in the Commons.
Currently at the second-reading stage in the House of Commons; first reading occurred in Oct 2024; further readings are scheduled for 25 Apr 2025 and 29 May 2026.
Policy area: Immigration.

Progress

The bill is at the second-reading stage in the House of Commons. The first reading occurred in October 2024, with the next readings scheduled for spring 2025 and spring 2026 as listed.

Who is affected?

People living in Scotland who are or could be affected by immigration rulesPeople seeking entry or residence in Scotland (including asylum seekers and migrants)Scottish employers and public service providersMigrant and refugee organisations and legal advisers in ScotlandCommunities in Scotland with migrant populations

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

21 Oct 2024

2nd readingCommons

25 Apr 2025, 29 May 2026

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

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