Edinburgh: A vibrant econmy but more immigrant workers are needed

The Scottish executive is pledging extra money to encourage immigrants and asylum seekers to settle in Scotland.

Up to £405,000 a year will be given to the charity Immigration Advisory Service (IAS), to support its 'Fresh Talent' initiative.

The initiative provides legal advice on immigration and asylum for people wishing to work or study in Scotland with the aim of encouraging more people to settle there.

The decision to fund the service was announced by justice minister Cathy Jamieson on Thursday.

She said: "This shows our ongoing commitment to the Fresh Talent initiative.

"Already the IAS have assisted us by providing a work permit toolkit for the Fresh Talent Team and they have also seconded a member of staff to the Relocation Advisory Service.

"Scotland is the best small country in the world and we want to assist those who wish to work and study in Scotland with legal advice and assistance when needed."

And IAS chief executive Keith Best said: "As the largest not-for-profit provider of immigration legal services in Scotland and the UK we are delighted to be working more closely with the Scottish Executive and its positive attitude towards the benefits that migration can bring to the people of Scotland.

"Immigration law is changing constantly and all users need competent legal advice in order to ensure that applications are appropriate and that those affected have access to justice."

Executive ministers have pledged to fund the IAS for two years, and then an assessment will be made on continued payments.