Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell has criticised new immigration measures under consideration by the UK Government which he says will damage higher education in Scotland.

The measures include tightening the procedures surrounding the approval of UK student visas to deter ‘bogus students’ who come to the country to work rather than to study.

Russell and the principles of several leading Scottish universities have signed a letter to the UK Immigration Minister Damian Green stating that the "overwhelming majority of students … are genuine students who aspire to gain new qualifications."

"In light of Scotland’s particular demographic circumstances we are keen to engage with the UK Government to discuss a more flexible immigration approach to meet Scottish needs."

In addition, UCU Scotland, the union which represents lecturers and academics, has questioned the introduction of a permanent cap on skilled workers coming into the UK.

They are concerned that it will both dissuade international academics from working in Scotland and make it difficult for Scottish institutions to recruit staff from overseas, as well as affecting the quality of teaching and research.

The union has said that the imposition of a temporary cap has already led to staffing problems within the higher education sector.

The Education Secretary was not available for comment, but a spokesman outlined the Scottish Government’s position to The Student:

"The Scottish Government is committed to providing a welcoming environment so that we can continue to attract students, staff and researchers to Scottish universities and, more generally, to attract young, skilled migrants to boost Scotland’s population."

"We will therefore continue to engage with the UK Government to push for a more flexible immigration approach that better meets Scotland’s needs."

The spokesman also re-iterated that the Education Secretary "continue[s] to have serious concerns about the adverse impact for Scotland of the recent and proposed changes to the UK Government’s immigration policy and procedures."