Information on EU nationals currently living in Scotland.
Changes to the UK immigration system impact the numbers, status, entitlements and support needs of EU nationals living in Scotland. The ending of free movement and introduction of the UK points-based immigration system in January 2021 mean that employers, Local Authorities and other statutory or third sector bodies must often distinguish between different groups of EU nationals.
Most EU nationals who have moved to the UK after 1st January 2021 have no recourse to public funds, meaning they are not eligible for most benefits and cannot build up entitlement to a state pension. Those with pre-settled status may also not have recourse to public funds if they do not meet residency requirements or if they fail to apply for settled status in time. Local authorities and other statutory bodies must be aware of this and its implications for supporting vulnerable or at-risk individuals.
Employers wishing to offer a job to an EU national without settled or pre-settled status must understand and abide by the rules for sponsorship and cover the costs of a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, the Immigration Skills Charge, as well as legal fees and administrative costs.26 Such costs may be challenging for smaller employers which make up a larger percentage of the Scottish economy than elsewhere in the UK. Smaller employers are concerned about risks associated with sponsorship and have less capacity to monitor rules leaving them vulnerable to licences being suspended or revoked.