First Minister issues plea to EU citizens living in Scotland

The First Minister is urging EU citizens living in Scotland to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to ensure they can continue living here.

In an open letter and video message, Nicola Sturgeon says it is vital that every EU citizen who wishes to stay in Scotland completes an application by 30 June 2021.

While the Scottish Government believes that EU citizens should not need to apply to protect the rights they already have to live, work and study here, the UK Government has made it a requirement.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “My message to everyone from the EU who lives and works here remains this: Scotland is your home, you are our family, and we’d be privileged if you would stay here with us.

“We are drawing close to the end of the Brexit transition period, and the end of a year in which we have together faced the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In these times of uncertainty and disruption, I would like to once again reassure EU citizens that Scotland values you for the contribution you make to our society, our culture and our economy.

“While I don’t agree that you should have to go through an application process to secure rights that you should automatically have, I do want to ensure that you are able to stay in Scotland.

“Many EU citizens have already applied for the Settlement Scheme – but many more do still need to apply.

“My message is a simple one. Please apply. Scotland is a better place because you are living here.”

The open letter has been translated into Italian, Lithuanian, French, Polish, Romanian, Spanish and German.