EU settlement scheme deadline one week away

EU Citizens living in Scotland, who have not yet applied to join the EU Settlement Scheme, are being urged to apply now to avoid missing the deadline of June 30.

The latest figures show that as of April 30, 268,500 applications have been made by people living in Scotland. The number still to apply can’t be confirmed as there is no official data on the number of EU citizens living in Scotland, but it could be a large number.

The Scottish Government is now running a new campaign, up until Wednesday June 30, calling on EU citizens who were living in the UK at December 31, 2020, to apply to the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme so they can carry on living, working and studying in Scotland. Irish citizens and people with indefinite leave to remain do not have to apply. However, even if you already have a permanent residence document or have lived in the UK for a long time, you will still need to apply. The campaign will run on radio, digital, social, and press.

Jenny Gilruth, minister for culture, Europe and international development, said: ‘Our message to everyone from the EU who lives and works here remains this: Scotland is your home, you are our family, and we want you to stay here with us.

‘Scotland is a better place because you are living here. Please apply. And please stay with us.

‘The UK Government’s EU Settled Status Scheme means that I must, sadly, reiterate that it remains critical that all EU citizens must complete an application by June 30 2021.’

Those who do not apply to the scheme may not be able to continue living or working in Scotland.

For more information on the support available, visit www.mygov.scot/stayinscotland

To download the Stay in Scotland toolkit or graphics, visit www.gov.scot/ stay in scotland toolkit