Migration service launched by Scottish Government to help people settle into life in Scotland

The Scottish Government is launching a migration service which aims to help people settle into life in Scotland and support businesses navigating the immigration system.

The first phase of the migration service is now open, offering appointments to those who have moved to Scotland in the last six months.

Employers looking to hire workers from abroad will be able to access bespoke advice.

International students who are in their final year at a Scottish university can also ask the service for advice.

This autumn, the service is due to open to those living abroad who wish to move to Scotland.

While much of immigration law is reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government will fund the charity Citizens Advice Scotland and the law firm Seraphus to deliver the service.

Migration minister Emma Roddick said: “New Scots make an enormous contribution to Scotland’s society by helping grow our economy, address skills shortages and contribute to public services.

“They are also vital to meeting our population needs.

“The first few months after arrival in a new country are the most significant in terms of making people feel welcome and encouraging them to stay for the long-term.

“This service will support people in those crucial weeks, helping ease the process of settling into life here.

“We also want to mitigate the complexity and bureaucracy of the immigration system – particularly post-Brexit – to encourage businesses to hire talented people from overseas and expand their operations here.

“By providing advice and information, we will help employers and investors grow businesses and attract talent.”