Scottish Independence: SNP's Alex Salmond Wants Immigration Green Card System

An independent Scotland would create a green card immigration system, first minister Alex Salmond has said.

Salmond said that he wanted to encourage young skilled people to contribute to Scotland's prosperity.

According to the Scottish National Party's White Paper, Scotland's Future, a points-based immigration system would be introduced.

"Scotland's differing demographic and migration needs mean that the UK immigration system has not served our interests," the document said.

"This government plans, following independence, a points-based immigration system targeted at particular Scottish needs. The system will enable us to meet the needs of Scottish society with greater flexibility.

"It could provide incentives to migrants who move to live and work in remoter geographical areas - assisting with community sustainability, or adding new categories of skills."

The paper also said Scotland would remain part of Common Travel Area that exists between the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland.

"An essential part of this social union, and one that will be fully maintained with independence, is the free movement of nationals between Scotland and the rest of the UK and Ireland.

"There are no circumstances in which the Scottish government would countenance any measure being taken that jeopardised the ability of citizens across the rest of the UK and Ireland to move freely across our borders as they are presently able to do," it said.

The paper added that Scotland would not join the Schengen area - the EU's border-free zone - which mirrored the position of the United Kingdom within the European Union.

The paper added that an independent country would repeal the Westminster policy that abolished the post-study work visa in 2012.

This gave graduated students the right to stay within the UK and work for two years after graduation.