New Scots: refugee integration strategy 2018 to 2022

Vision

For a welcoming Scotland where refugees and asylum seekers are able to rebuild their lives from the day they arrive.

To achieve this vision, we will work to ensure that Scotland:

• Is a place of safety for everyone, where people are able to live free from persecution as valued members of communities.
• Enables everyone to pursue their ambitions through education, employment, culture and leisure activities.
• Has strong, inclusive and resilient communities, where everyone is able to access the support and services they need and is able to exercise their rights.
• Is a country that values diversity, where people are able to use and share their culture, skills and experiences, as they build strong relationships and connections.

The New Scots strategy sees integration as a long-term, two-way process, involving positive change in both individuals and host communities, which leads to cohesive, diverse communities.

The purpose of the New Scots strategy is to coordinate the efforts of organisations and community groups across Scotland involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers. It provides a clear framework for all those working towards refugee integration and assists the work of all partners to make the best use of resources and expertise that are available across Scotland, by promoting partnership approaches, joined-up working and early intervention. This supports the vision of a welcoming Scotland, where people seeking protection from persecution and human rights abuses are able to settle and rebuild their lives in our communities.