Scotland is your home: our action to reassure EU citizens
by In her statement at Bute House following the EU referendum result, Nicola Sturgeon said to EU citizens living in Scotland: “you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued.”
Since the EU referendum, the SNP has taken steps to reassure people from other European countries living here that they continue to be welcome in Scotland. Here’s how.
1. Nicola Sturgeon hosted a summit of EU consuls-general at Bute House to discuss how the Scottish Government can reassure EU citizens living in Scotland.
At the event the First Minister reiterated to diplomatic representatives that we value the contribution citizens from their countries make to Scotland’s economy, society and culture.
2. Nicola Sturgeon called on the UK Government to make immediate guarantees for EU nationals in Scotland.
The First Minister has called on Theresa May to give an immediate guarantee that the rights of the 173,000 EU citizens in Scotland will remain unchanged. The UK government has yet to give any such guarantee.
3. The Scottish Government held a public Q&A with EU nationals living here to discuss the EU referendum result – the first event of it’s kind in the UK.
The First Minister and senior cabinet members listened to questions and concerns from the audience of 450 people with 24 different EU countries represented. The First Minister will take the issues raised to the UK government at the first opportunity.
4. The Scottish Government has taken steps to reassure EU nationals, including researchers, that they remain welcome at our universities.
The Higher Education Minister also made clear that Scotland will continue to be an active partner in international research programmes, based on the research excellence that exists at our universities
5. The Deputy First Minister has reassured EU students already studying in Scotland that they will continue to be supported with free tuition.
The Scottish Government and Universities Scotland have reassured EU students currently studying in Scotland, or preparing to start this year, that they will continue to benefit from free tuition and associated support throughout their course.
And, we renewed our calls to reintroduce a post-study work visa too – so that we can help retain talent from across the world here in Scotland.