Policy options for immigration to Scotland.
Based on our principles for fair and human refugee and asylum policy, this report has sought to consider a series of policy options aimed at improving the lives of people seeking asylum and refugees living in Scotland under various constitutional outcomes. It is worth reiterating some of the context in which the constitutional debate is taking place. Scotland has a self-image and increasingly presents itself externally as a nation that is based on fairness, equality and justice. To maintain that image and be viewed as a ‘good global citizen’, protecting those fleeing persecution should be seen as a crucial plank. Additionally, there are internal reasons for providing protection as it sends a strong signal to Scottish society more generally of the type of nation that Scotland wants to be, should that be within or outside of the United Kingdom. The proposals we make here correspond closely with not only the expressed views of the Scottish Government regarding policy and policy-making, but also those of the Scottish Parliament. Discussions around the Christie Commission recommendations, for example, chime with the more person-centred, early intervention perspectives taken in this report. What is more Scottish political leaders more generally express support for international human rights treaties and in Scotland itself the importance of human rights is a fundamental tenet that guides much of policy-making. It is crucial that in developing policy as well as in discussions about Scotland’s constitutional future, the views of those most disadvantaged are taken into account. This report is hopefully an initial contribution to stimulate discussion around refugees’ position within that debate and the linked issue of what kind of nation Scotland is and what kind of nation we would like Scotland to be.