By Alasdair Allan - Minister for International Development

Today is International Migrants Day 2016 and I have chosen to mark this day by sending a warm message of welcome to all of those who have chosen to make Scotland their home, regardless of where they come from.

It is important to highlight the valuable contribution that migrants, in the widest sense of the word, including students, refugees, asylum seekers and many others bring to Scotland’s economy. Perhaps more importantly it is also worth celebrating, the vibrancy they bring to our society and culture. They are our friends, colleagues, neighbours and family.

I can’t talk about any of this without talking about the result of the EU referendum and the significance of freedom of movement. Since the referendum, it has become more important now than ever to stand up to negative rhetoric surrounding immigration and to strive to provide a welcoming and tolerant society for migrants in Scotland.

We are proud that others have chosen to make Scotland the place they call home, and also appreciate the benefits of freedom of movement enjoyed by our own citizens, such as the right to live, study and work across EU member states.

The UK Government’s toxic rhetoric on immigration, with descriptions such as “swarms”, “floods” and “jungles”, can seriously affect people’s sense of security and belonging. This language represents a move towards dehumanisation and devalues individuals and their contribution.

It is unfair that those who bring diversity, life and economic growth to Scotland are now being forced to live with such negativity and uncertainty around their right to stay in their adopted home country.

I therefore make the case again today to the UK Government to guarantee EU nationals’ right to remain in the UK. They all deserve certainty so they can plan for their future and can continue to contribute to our nation.

I recently met with a group of EU nationals, where we discussed the serious impacts of the EU referendum. Many saw themselves as part and parcel of the fabric of Scotland, as honorary Scots, and were disappointed that they were now being labelled separately to other citizens living here.

Here are their stories, their experience of living in Scotland. These accounts represent just three of the 181,000 individuals who have contributed immeasurably to Scotland’s economy and society, and who we want to feel welcome in and continue to stay in Scotland.

Andrea Veszelovszki, from Hungary

“I came to Scotland in February 2005. The plan was to spend a summer season working in the hospitality industry and to use the money to travel around. I had a basic understanding of spoken English but was not yet competent with the written language.

“After a few months of getting used to life in a different country, I started to settle in and was promoted to head housekeeper. Soon, I learned of a marine research and teaching lab near Oban, they had just recently started to run a university course in Marine Science.

“During my studies I continued to work part time at weekends and over the summer months to support myself and cover student fees. The next four years were a big test for me. However the hard work finally all paid off and I was delighted to graduate from SAMS University of Highlands & Islands, with a BSc (2:1) in Marine Science.

“I’m currently working as a Project Management Advisor at The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. I love living in this country and with hard work I’ve achieved a lot. I also love the people, their honesty and kindness, down-to-earth nature and how welcome they made me feel.

“The whole political situation is very confusing and Westminster doesn’t seem to provide any reassurance about the future. I feel touched and humbled that the Scottish Government has reached out to us as EU Nationals to canvass our views, even if at this time, they do not yet have the power to guarantee anything for us.”

Hans Schutten, from the Netherlands

“I moved from the Netherlands to the UK 22 years ago to conduct research at the University of East Anglia. After finishing my studies I worked in England for ten years and then moved together with my family to Scotland to work as a scientist.

“I love living in Scotland and it’s is my home now for me and my family. Scotland is a proud nation and a stunning country, and I always have felt welcome in Scotland. The morning the EU referendum results hit I was stunned and suddenly felt a stranger in the country which is my home.

“These are uncertain times and although I really value the strong support from the Scottish Government I need certainties and hope that they are soon given so that I can plan the future for me and my family which I hope is in Scotland.”

Cecile Simonis, from Belgium

“I am an artist and art teacher and I first came to Scotland at the end of 2010.

“I [now] work in a gallery and teach art classes with the council and other art organisations, I'm a member of the Society of Scottish Artists and my artwork is regularly shown in galleries here.

“I feel at home here.

“I [have] found myself defending and promoting haggis to Belgian friends who didn't want to try it. My accent is, apparently, an odd mix of Belgian French and Scottish English. When I watch a movie with Scottish character in it, I feel that he or she is from home, one of us. I still don't really look it, but I'm now a fair bit Scottish inside!

“This is partly why Brexit is so upsetting. I cannot be reduced to being 'a migrant from Belgium'. My identity is more complex than that, and having to go back to Belgium would not be 'going back home'.

“[Brexit] has been a constant punch in the face for the past 5 months.

“Scotland is trying to stay the welcoming place I ended up settling in, and this is why I am still here, hoping to stay.”