HEALTH Secretary Jane Freeman has written to all EU nationals working in Scotland's NHS to urge them to stay.
In her open letter, she thanks people for their work in the health and social care sector and tells them: "We value you greatly."
Freeman has pledged protecting the rights of EU nationals "continues to be my top priority" despite the uncertainty of Brexit.
The letter, which has been sent to all of Scotland's health boards, said: "Your dedication and hard work is invaluable in continuing to deliver our health and social care services, and I am truly grateful for everything you do."
Acknowledging the "great concern" felt by many at the UK's imminent departure from the EU, Freeman gives details of the settlement scheme and warns approximately 43% of the estimated EU nationals in Scotland have not applied for the right to remain.
Freeman wrote: "I know many EU citizens living and working in Scotland are feeling increasingly uncertain now that Brexit is upon us and many will share the sadness I feel that Scotland is being taken out of the EU against our wishes.
"I am fortunate that almost every day I get to see the hard work and dedication of our NHS and care staff - staff born and raised in Scotland, staff from elsewhere in the UK and staff from around the world.
"Our EU staff play a vital role in all of that and I am truly grateful for the work that you do."
As the UK prepares to leave the EU, @ScotGov Health Secretary @JeaneF1MSP has encouraged all EU citizens working in Scotland’s health and social care services to continue to live and work in Scotland, telling them they are welcome here. ⬇️https://t.co/OVWE2oxBqv pic.twitter.com/hEPYQcz4cM
— Scot Gov Health (@scotgovhealth) January 31, 2020
She added: "While the uncertainty around the UK's future relationship with the EU will go on for some time, I want to reassure you that protecting your rights continues to be a top priority for me and for the Scottish Government.
"My message to everyone from the EU who lives and works here is Scotland is your home, you are our family and we'd be privileged if you would stay here with us."
The Scottish Government has launched its Stay in Scotland campaign to raise awareness of the settlement scheme and to promote the message that EU nationals are welcome in Scotland despite Brexit.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here