Scottish Government high level action plan in response to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

8: British National (Overseas)

Thematic Tags

British Nationals Overseas; Social Security; Fair Work; Public Funds

Concluding Observation(s)

29a: The Committee recommends that the State Party, along with the devolved governments […] Remove barriers to labour market access for British National (Overseas) visa holders by ensuring the recognition of qualifications, job training opportunities and access to social security and public funds.

29d: The Committee recommends that the State Party, along with the devolved governments […] Strengthen integration measures through targeted support programmes and awareness-raising initiatives.

Context

While immigration rules are set by the UK Government, we have used our devolved powers to improve access to public services, education, and employment. British Nationals Overseas (BN(O)) visa holders can live, work, and study in Scotland, and they are entitled to use services like healthcare and schools. We are committed to ensuring that individuals arriving on a BN(O) visa are treated with dignity and respect as they begin their new lives here.

We published the Scotland Welcome Pack for British Nationals (Overseas) from Hong Kong in August 2021. This guide explains how to access public services, find work, get training, and apply for financial support. We will continue to promote and update this resource so that BN(O) visa holders have the information they need from day one. COSLA has developed a Welcome Hub which provides information to Hong Kong BN(O)s on employment, housing, healthcare, education, ESOL language classes and safety.

Key Actions

We are supporting new Scots, including Hong Kong BN(O)s, by providing multi-year funding (October 2025-March 2028) for a national Refugee Support Service. The funding will enable more people to be supported and ensure that new Scots are helped to understand their rights and the services they are entitled to access.

Through the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy Delivery Plan, we are taking forward actions to address labour market barriers for all people coming to Scotland, including BN(O)s, through engagement with employers, work with training providers supporting modern apprenticeships and work with the Scottish Local Authority Economic Development Group to monitor and promote local authority employability services.

We will help BN(O) visa holders with overseas qualifications to understand how to get them recognised in the UK. We will provide clear guidance on how to contact the right regulatory bodies through the New Scots website so that people can work in their chosen professions, thereby adding to Scottish society, without unnecessary delays.

We will continue to provide information and support for people to apply for a change of conditions and lift their NRPF restriction if they are at risk of destitution, and ensure that people know how to access support via their local authorities, Social Security Scotland and Shelter Scotland, especially if they are homeless or in urgent need.