The First Minister has proposed to the UK Government that Scots become 'super-sponsors' in the journey to take in Ukrainian refugees amid the Russian invasion.
In a joint letter to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, the First Minister and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford set out details of their proposition.
This scheme would enable Ukrainians to get clearance to come to Scotland or Wales quickly and be accommodated temporarily, while the Scottish and Welsh governments then work with local partners to provide longer term accommodation (including with private individuals who have volunteered rooms), safeguarding and access to services.
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The letter makes clear that no cap will be set by Scotland and Wales on the numbers of refugees they will welcome.
It is expected that Ukrainians will be able to apply to come to the UK if they have been matched with a 'sponsor' who will provide accommodation.
As an immediate commitment Scotland has offered to support 3,000 refugees in the initial wave, in line with the numbers that were resettled under the Syrian scheme.
Overall, the Scottish Government is committed to welcoming at least a proportionate share of the total number who come to the UK.
The letter says it is essential all arrivals have access to public funds including welfare benefits, and are exempted from the Habitual Residence Test for accessing these.
In addition, the First Ministers’ letter calls for urgent clarity on funding arrangements to support local government and suggests a per head funding arrangement similar to the Syrian and Afghanistan schemes to support resettlement and integration costs.
While committed to doing everything possible to make the UK government's proposed scheme a success, the First Ministers also renewed their call on the UK Government to waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I want Scotland to play our full part in welcoming Ukrainians seeking sanctuary from war. The UK response so far has been beset with bureaucracy and red tape, when what is needed is humanity and urgent refuge for as many as possible.
"We are still awaiting full details of the proposed community sponsorship scheme. If the UK government is still unwilling to waive visa requirements, it is essential that this scheme works efficiently and effectively and allows people to come to the UK as quickly as possible.
"However, I am very worried that if people have to be matched with an individual sponsor before even being allowed entry to the UK, it will prove slow and cumbersome.
"That is why the First Minister of Wales and I have made the 'super sponsor' proposal. We are proposing that our governments act as initial 'super sponsors' to allow large numbers to come to our respective nations quickly. Once they are here, and accommodated temporarily, we will then work with local partners to match people with longer term accommodation, including from members of the public who are volunteering rooms, and put in place safeguarding and support services - but while we do all of this, people will be safely here.
"I have committed to supporting 3,000 Ukrainians coming to Scotland in the immediate wave - and at least a proportionate share of those who come to the UK overall.
"I hope the UK government agrees to this proposal so that we can get on with welcoming Ukrainians to Scotland as soon as possible."
