A Home Office clampdown on immigration runs contrary to Scotland's attempts to reverse its declining population trend, the SNP has warned.

The party was on Tuesday highlighting new UK rules which require work permits for foreign doctors taking up training posts.

The restrictions, which apply to doctors who do not have UK residency or do not come from the European Economic Area, were introduced without proper consultation, said the nationalists.

In a letter to Scottish health minister Andy Kerr, SNP health spokesman Shona Robison warned that the new rules could undermine health service recruitment.

"You will be aware that the Home Office swiftly and with little consultation, introduced the requirement of work permits for training posts in the UK for doctors who do not have UK residency or do not come from the EEA," said the letter.

"The situation prior to this was that work permits were unnecessary for training posts. This new rule will have a direct impact on international medical graduates who are trying to become part of the NHS workforce.

"According to the GMC, who are very concerned about these changes, 13 per cent of the Scottish medical workforce did not qualify in the UK. 

"Does this mean the NHS in Scotland could potentially lose up to 13 per cent of its workforce in the future? 

"I am sure you share my concerns about the negative impact this could have, given that it appears to run contrary to the Scottish Executive's 'fresh talent initiative'."

Robison also questioned what assessments had been undertaken of the impact of the policy on the NHS in Scotland.

"We need the health minister to assure us that the Labour and Lib Dem government has considered the possible impact of these changes in Scotland and has raised any concerns with the Home Office," she added.

"At a time when the Scottish health service is crying out for more doctors we should not be putting barriers in their way."