Glasgow MSP Bashir Ahmad today highlighted a major problem facing hundreds of curry restaurants all over Scotland. Due to new restrictions placed on low-skilled workers coming from out-with the EU many restaurants are being forced to employ Eastern European chefs who are often unfamiliar with making curry dishes.

Commenting on the situation Mr Ahmad said: "Having been a curry restaurant owner myself in the 1980's I remember how difficult it was back then to bring over specialised staff from the subcontinent. With more restaurants open now and new tougher immigration laws, for those outside the EU, we are looking at a real curry crisis.
 

"There is a strong Scottish element which has to be taken into consideration. Curry has for a long time been the nation's favourite dish. My constituency of Glasgow has been named the Curry Capital of the UK twice in the last five years with an array of award winning Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Restaurants located in the city. Not to mention the hundreds of millions of pounds curry restaurants and takeaways generate for the economy.

"All of this could be under threat if the Industry's concerns are not acknowledged and action taken quickly by the Home Office."

Around 100 Restaurant owners are expected to demonstrate today (Thursday 13/03/08) outside the Scottish Parliament to lobby MSPs. Immigration is a reserved matter for the UK Government, however Restaurateurs are hoping put pressure on the Scottish Government to make representations on their behalf.

Supporting their call for Scottish Government representation Mr Ahmad said: "I have spoken to the First Minister regarding this issue and he will be meeting with demonstrators to hear their concerns. I have no doubt his Government will work closely with Restaurant owners and the Home Office to resolve this serious problem."

Note:

1. The first stage of the new points based immigration system went live on February 29th 2008. Low skilled immigrants fall under tier 3 of the new legislation and will be severely restricted in terms of access if from outside the EU. Further info on the new system can be found on the Home office website.