The New Scots Core Group Advisers brings together people with lived experience of seeking protection in Scotland. They speak up for refugee and asylum seeking communities nationwide and play a key role in shaping and supporting the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy.
We caught up with the group to hear what has been keeping them busy over the last few months.
Please tell us a little about what the group has been working on lately
Advisers: “As a group we have been very busy, going to events, local gatherings, stakeholder meetings and a New Scots leadership event in Perth.
“We have been speaking with councils, organisations and community groups about what people are struggling with, including education, finding work and, importantly, integration. For many New Scots, integration is the main way they can make sense of the Government’s asylum plans and start to rebuild their lives here.”
The group highlight many issues. Are there any that are particularly important to speak up about?
Advisers: “From the very beginning, free bus travel for people seeking asylum has been a really important issue for us. Many people seeking asylum want to volunteer, get to appointments and take part in community life, but transport costs make that difficult. Sharing our experiences showed how much free bus travel can help people feel included and able to get involved.
“More recently, we have been raising the issue of recognising people’s qualifications. Many people arrive with strong skills and professional backgrounds but cannot use them here. Speaking up about this and pushing for change is essential because it could transform lives and benefit communities.
“We recently took part in Scottish Refugee Council’s manifesto consultation, and are proud to see that recognising qualifications is included as one of their eight key asks for the next government.”
Have there been any challenges or unexpected moments recently?
Advisers: “Time is always a challenge. We meet every three months and there is so much to talk about!
“A huge challenge recently has been the UK Government’s asylum reforms. We want to protect people, but the policy situation is complicated and difficult. As a group we must continue to make sure the voices of the people affected are heard, even when decisions are not in our control.”
What will the group focus on over the next six months?
Advisers: “We are getting ready for a period of political change and our priority will be to keep pushing for the concerns of New Scots communities to be heard and taken seriously.
“We will continue to challenge misinformation. Immigration is often used in political debates and this affects how people see newcomers and how newcomers see their own future.
“We want to bring truth, humanity and lived experience into discussions that sometimes forget the people at the centre of them.”
