THE Scottish Government has announced renewed funding for the Stay in Scotland campaign.
The package for EU citizens to help them understand and secure their rights through the uncertainties presented by Brexit was established in 2019.
It includes a £250,000 pledge for community-based support across Scotland, the establishment of a support and advice service for EU citizens who have more complex needs or particular challenges and a toolkit for employers, including posters, fact sheets, digital content and guides directing EU citizens to further guidance.
Throughout the campaign, more than £2 million has been provided to community organisations to help people apply for settled status.
In partnership with the Citizens’ Rights Project, Cosla and Settled – an independent charity helping EU citizens to stay in the UK – over £200,000 will be given for 2023-2024 to help vulnerable people apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
It is hoped more EU citizens will be supported to remain in Scotland thanks to the renewed funding.
Migration Minister Emma Roddick said: “On Europe Day, Scotland can proudly celebrate the contribution EU citizens make to our society, culture and economy.
“As we continue to build the case for an independent Scotland within the EU, additional funding for the Stay in Scotland campaign will help ensure EU citizens, particularly those who need assistance with complex applications, get the support they need to gain settled status.
“We’re also urging the Home Office to immediately upgrade everyone from pre-settled to settled status. This would help remove the unnecessary stress and anxiety of being forced to re-apply to the EUSS.”
“Scotland is stronger for its multi-culturalism and our message to EU citizens this Europe Day is clear: you are, and always will be, welcome in Scotland.”
The Independent Monitoring Authority recently won its judicial review against the Home Office, with the court agreeing that EU citizens should not lose their rights if they fail to re-apply to the EUSS before the expiry of their pre-settled status.
