For many Scottish employers, the prospect of hiring international workers can feel daunting. The UK immigration system is complex, frequently changing, and can be costly to navigate without the right support. Yet, access to global talent can be transformative for businesses facing skills shortages or looking to grow in competitive markets.
Scotland’s Migration Service exists to make international recruitment more accessible for Scottish employers. Delivered by immigration law firm Seraphus and Citizens Advice Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the free service offers practical, expert guidance to organisations of all sizes across the public, private, and third sectors.
A Library of Free Resources at Your Fingertips
One of the most valuable aspects of Scotland’s Migration Service is its online resource hub. Available at migrationservice.scotland.org/resources, the hub brings together guides, tutorials, and webinar recordings covering a wide range of immigration topics relevant to Scottish employers.
Whether you are exploring international recruitment for the first time or managing an established international workforce, the resources are designed to meet you where you are. Topics covered include understanding visa routes, applying for a sponsor licence, meeting ongoing compliance requirements, and keeping up with immigration policy changes that could affect your workforce.
All previous webinars are available to watch on demand, meaning employers can access expert guidance at a time that suits them. This is particularly valuable given how frequently the immigration landscape shifts – having access to up-to-date, reliable information can make a significant difference when making recruitment decisions.
Free Expert Advice, On Demand
Alongside its online resources, Scotland’s Migration Service offers free one-to-one advice sessions with qualified immigration lawyers, available via video call or telephone. These sessions are tailored to the specific needs of your organisation, whether you are trying to understand your eligibility to sponsor overseas workers, navigating a specific visa application, or responding to a sudden change in immigration rules.
Only a small percentage of organisations in Scotland currently hold a sponsor licence, which means many businesses that could benefit from hiring international workers may not have considered it a realistic option. Scotland’s Migration Service is here to change that – helping employers understand what is involved, what it costs, and how to get started.
Upcoming Webinar: Hiring International Talent When Roles Don’t Meet Salary Thresholds
Scotland’s Migration Service, with legal expertise from Seraphus, is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday 18 March, 13:00–14:00 GMT, tackling one of the most common challenges employers face: what to do when a role does not meet the salary threshold required for a Skilled Worker visa.
This is a question many Scottish employers encounter, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, care, and the creative industries, where roles may not reach the salary requirements set out under the current immigration rules. The session will provide practical guidance on:
- Alternative visa routes available to employers
- How to use the Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List
- Transitional arrangements currently in place
- How to plan international recruitment within current salary rules
The webinar is free to attend and supported by the Scottish Government. Places can be reserved via the registration link at migrationservice.scotland.org/resources.
Take the Next Step
Scotland’s Migration Service is here to help Scottish employers recruit and retain international talent with confidence. Whether you attend a live webinar, watch a recorded session, or book a one-to-one advice appointment, the support is free, practical, and tailored to your needs.
Visit migrationservice.scotland.org to find out more.
