Rachel Sunderland, Deputy Director in the Scottish Government’s Population and Migration Division, outlines the support available for EU Citizens wishing to remain in Scotland following the UK’s departure from the European Union.

It is an uncertain and challenging time for us all as we deal with the ongoing Covid pandemic and prepare for the full impact of leaving the European Union. It is an especially worrying time for EU citizens and their families who need to take additional steps to continue living, working and studying in Scotland – and the Scottish Government will do everything we can to support you to do so.

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. This means that EU citizens must apply to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 in order to continue living in the UK after that date. To be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, EU citizens will need to show they are resident in the UK by 31 December 2020.

For many people, the online application process will be straightforward but the Scottish Government has produced a package of support for anyone who needs additional help. The Stay in Scotland toolkit includes information on the EU Settlement Scheme, details of the application process and requirements, links to other resources and some practical suggestions about how employers can support their EU employees in the workplace. Full details can be found at www.mygov.scot/stayinscotland

We also want to make sure that EU citizens are informed about their rights and can access vital services

As part of our offer, Citizens Advice Scotland run a national helpline where people with questions about the EU Settlement Scheme can get free, confidential and impartial advice and support from qualified advisors. Anyone facing difficulties with their EU Settlement Scheme application can get help at www.cas.org.uk or by calling the free helpline on 0800 916 9847. The Scottish Government recognise that vulnerable EU citizens may find it particularly difficult to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. That’s why we fund a caseworker to work with people who have contact with local authorities, including looked after children. This caseworker works with the Council of Scottish Local Authorities.

We also want to make sure that EU citizens are informed about their rights and can access vital services during these challenging times. We have published a number of factsheets explaining the rights of EU citizens in Scotland. This guidance, developed with JustRight Scotland, sets out the rights of EU citizens to vote and work, and to access healthcare, education, housing and benefits in Scotland. These factsheets are for anyone who wants to better understand the rights of EU citizens and can be found in six languages at www.justcitizens.scot/EU

The Scottish Government is also funding the Citizens’ Rights Project to deliver information sessions about the EU Settlement Scheme and EU citizens’ rights after Brexit. These sessions are available in multiple languages and for citizens, employers, local authorities, and third sector organisations. You can find information about their free events at the Citizens’ Rights Project website. They also have a team of trained, multilingual advisers that can support people with their EU Settlement Scheme applications.

If you are an EU citizen, I would encourage you to find out more about what steps you need to take to stay here. If you have employees, colleagues, students or family members who are from an EU country, please tell them about the Stay in Scotland resources. Scotland deeply values the contribution EU citizens make to our society, culture and economy and we want to do everything we can to support you to stay.