5 April 2019

EU citizens living in Scotland are to be supported to remain in Scotland during and beyond the uncertainty associated with an EU exit. The First Minister made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home as she promised to continue to make a strong case for their rights to be protected in any EU exit scenario.

The First Minister said:

It is vital for our communities and our economy that EU nationals know they are welcome and will be supported to stay in Scotland.

Immediately after the EU referendum I wrote to EU citizens living in Scotland highlighting that Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU and that I considered them to be very much part of the fabric of this country.

I am writing again today with the same message: you are welcome here, you contribute to this country’s diversity and richness and we will do everything we can to help you to stay.

We will continue to argue for further change as necessary to the UK Government’s Settlement Scheme. And we will provide practical advice directly and through businesses and community groups.”

The First Minister met EU workers during a visit to Glasgow:

FM @NicolaSturgeon has pledged support for EU citizens to stay in Scotland. She met EU workers including Zofia Piotrowska from Poland, a training officer with @LorettoCare, part of @WheatleyHousing #stayinscotland https://t.co/ync9wj7hjC pic.twitter.com/o4Fw3hEiK4

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) April 5, 2019

A copy of the open letter sent from the First Minister to EU citizens.

The ‘Stay in Scotland’ campaign