Scotland’s Migration Service
Published 18/11/2025 by Christopher Desira 3 min read
Last month, I had a conversation with a small business owner that's been playing on my mind. She was exhausted, not just tired, but the kind of exhausted that comes from working every shift yourself because she simply could not find the right staff.
She's not alone. I've been speaking to business owners for years, and this is the story I hear most often.
Staffing challenges for Highland and Island businesses
The recent Highlands and Islands Enterprise business survey found that economic conditions as well as the cost (69%) and availability (66%) of labour and skills to be risk factors for businesses. As a business owner myself, I understand the frustration. You've built something special. You know your market, you have strong community connections, and you're ready to grow. But without the right people, those plans stay on paper.
A solution: international recruitment
Whilst international staff recruitment may seem out of reach, in some circumstances it can be the right solution for a small business. Scotland’s Migration Service is a free service, funded by the Scottish Government. We work with businesses of all sizes, from small hotels and GP surgeries to major construction firms.
Let me give you some examples.
Scotland’s Migration Service: businesses supported
The Engineering Firm
A small engineering company needed to retain a data engineer. The staff member in the role had been on a Graduate visa which was expiring. We provided advice on applying for a sponsor licence and switching the staff member to a Skilled Worker visa. Importantly, we highlighted a more affordable option to the company – to apply a ‘new entrant discount’ to the minimum visa salary due to the postholder being a recent graduate.
The Care Provider
A care home had applied for a sponsor licence but needed help to explain the vacant roles that needed filling. We went through the roles in detail to ensure they met the ‘genuine need’ test in the visa requirements.
Feedback from employers
The Care Provider told us the “advice was clear and very helpful. It is so difficult to get advice on this and it made such a difference talking to someone who gave proper advice rather than trying find things out from websites”.
One micro-business who used our service shared: "The consultation brought clarity to my plans. I registered a business in Scotland in less than a month after the consultation. I will soon be reaching out again for advice on a sponsorship licence".
Book a free appointment
We offer free one-to-one advice appointments with an immigration lawyer. We understand that recruiting to Campbeltown isn't the same as recruiting to Edinburgh – rural salaries impact visa requirements. We work with you to identify what is possible for you.
Free webinars and resources
If you’re thinking of international recruitment but don’t know where to start, we have an upcoming interactive session where you can chat to our immigration lawyer. You will also hear experiences of small businesses that have used Scotland’s Migration Service.
Ask an immigration lawyer: hiring international staff in the Highlands and Islands
10 December 2025
1pm – 2pm
We provide regular free webinars with past recordings and further resources available on Scotland’s Migration Service website.
Christopher Desira
Christopher Desira is the founding Director of Seraphus, a law firm specialising in migration law. He serves as a special advisor to the European Union Delegation, is a charity trustee, and sits on editorial and advisory boards. Seraphus is a delivery partner for Scotland’s Migration Service, a free service paid for by the Scottish Government to support Scotland-based employers hire international workers to meet skills and labour needs.
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