The First Minister made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home as she promised to continue to make a strong case for their rights to be protected in any EU exit scenario.
She has written an open letter to EU citizens to confirm a new 'Stay in Scotland' package that will consist of:
• £250,000 for community based support across Scotland
• a support and advice service for EU citizens with more complex needs or particular challenges
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• a toolkit for employers, including posters, factsheets, digital content and guide directing EU citizens to further guidance
• social media activity using the hashtag #StayinScotland
It follows the Scottish Government, along with others, successfully pushing the UK Government to scrap the £65 "settled status" fee.
The First Minister made the announcement as she visited a new £14 million housing development in Easterhouse, meeting construction workers and housing association staff from EU nations.
She said: "It is vital for our communities and our economy that EU nationals know they are welcome and will be supported to stay in Scotland.
"Immediately after the EU referendum I wrote to EU citizens living in Scotland highlighting that Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU and that I considered them to be very much part of the fabric of this country.
"I am writing again today with the same message: you are welcome here, you contribute to this country's diversity and richness and we will do everything we can to help you to stay.
"We will continue to argue for further change as necessary to the UK Government's Settlement Scheme. And we will provide practical advice directly and through businesses and community groups."
