First Minister of Scotland's Open Letter to Syrians

On 8 December, the world witnessed a seismic shift in Syria’s political landscape with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. For Syrians across the globe, including those in Scotland, this moment has been both monumental and bittersweet, a complex mix of relief, hope, and uncertainty about what the future holds. Amid this historical turning point, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has penned an open letter to Syrians living in Scotland, offering solidarity, reassurance, and a promise of continued support.

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has been one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century. Over the years, millions of Syrians were displaced as violence, oppression, and instability gripped their homeland. Many sought refuge abroad, with Scotland opening its doors to thousands of Syrians through UK Government resettlement schemes and the asylum system. Scotland’s communities have since been enriched by the talents, resilience, and cultural contributions of these refugees.

Now, as Syria begins a new chapter with the fall of Assad’s regime, Syrians in Scotland face a dual reality: the hope of a brighter future for their homeland and the uncertainty of what this transition means for their own lives abroad. In this context, Swinney’s letter seeks to address both the emotional and practical concerns of Syrians in Scotland while reaffirming Scotland’s commitment to inclusivity and support.

Swinney begins his letter by acknowledging the mixed emotions many Syrians are experiencing. “Hope sits alongside cautious optimism,” he writes, recognising the simultaneous excitement for Syria’s future and the anxiety that comes with such profound change. By addressing these emotions head-on, Swinney establishes a compassionate tone, reassuring Syrians that their feelings are valid and understood.

He also emphasises the importance of a peaceful and inclusive political transition in Syria, one that prioritises the rights and wellbeing of all Syrians. This sentiment reflects Scotland’s broader values of fairness, justice, and humanity.

Swinney takes pride in Scotland’s record of welcoming Syrian refugees, highlighting the resettlement of over 3,300 individuals under UK Government schemes since 2014. This figure underscores Scotland’s commitment to providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict. Additionally, he acknowledges the presence of Syrians who have arrived through the asylum system or are still awaiting decisions from the UK Government. Importantly, Swinney assures all Syrians in Scotland that they are valued members of their communities, a sentiment that speaks volumes about Scotland’s inclusive ethos.

He also praises the contributions of Syrians to Scottish society, noting how their skills, culture, and hard work have enriched communities across the nation. This recognition is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging for Syrians who may still be grappling with the trauma of displacement and the challenges of building a new life in a foreign land.

One of the most pressing issues raised in Swinney’s letter is the UK Government’s decision to pause the processing of asylum applications from Syrians in light of the evolving situation in Syria. While he acknowledges the need for a review, Swinney expresses concern about the impact of delays on individuals already living in limbo. He advocates for a more efficient process, emphasising the importance of providing timely support to asylum seekers to help them integrate into their communities.

Swinney’s proactive approach is evident in his recent correspondence with the UK Home Secretary, where he flagged the concerns raised by Syrian community organisers in Scotland. His actions demonstrate a commitment to standing up for the rights of Syrians and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.

The Deputy First Minister extends a heartfelt commitment to Syrians in Scotland: “We will do everything in our power to ensure that you are welcome and integrated into Scotland for as long as it is your home.” This promise is underpinned by Scotland’s New Scots refugee integration strategy, which has guided the country’s approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers for over a decade.

By working in partnership with organisations like COSLA and the Scottish Refugee Council, Scotland has created a framework that prioritises the integration and wellbeing of displaced people. Swinney’s letter reaffirms this commitment, ensuring that Syrians in Scotland know they have allies and advocates in their adopted home.

Swinney closes his letter with a powerful message of unity and hope. He stands with Syrian communities in Scotland, not only in supporting their integration but also in backing their aspirations for a democratic and peaceful Syria. This dual focus reflects a nuanced understanding of the diaspora’s unique position, deeply connected to both their new lives in Scotland and their hopes for their homeland.

For Syrians in Scotland, this letter serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their journey. Their contributions are valued, their concerns are heard, and their dreams for a brighter tomorrow, both in Scotland and Syria, are shared by their Scottish neighbours. As the world watches Syria’s next steps, Scotland remains steadfast in its support for those who have found refuge on its shores.

John Swinney’s full open letter to Syrians in Scotland

“Dear Friends,

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on 8 December, I know that Syrians in Scotland and around the world have been coming to terms with what these changes will mean for them, their families and the future of their homeland. Hope sits alongside cautious optimism for the future however many people will naturally also be feeling concern and anxiety.

As the situation evolves, I join the international community in calling for a peaceful and inclusive political solution that puts the Syrian people first and upholds the rights of all Syrians.

I am proud that all of Scotland’s local authorities have welcomed refugees who had to flee Syria into their communities with over 3,300 refugees arriving under UK Government resettlement schemes since 2014. There are also Syrians living in Scotland who have been through the UK asylum system, as well as those awaiting a decision from the UK Government. I hope that all Syrians living in Scotland feel safe and know that they are valued members of our communities.

The contribution that Syrians have made in Scotland has been invaluable and our communities have been enriched by the skills you have brought as you have integrated into daily life, working and raising your families here.

On 16 December, I was pleased to meet with a group of Syrian community organisers in Scotland who are hopeful that a democratic Government can now be formed but also raised their concerns with me about the future.

They highlighted anxiety about the decision of the UK Government to pause the processing of asylum applications from Syrians. While I understand the need for review, given the evolving situation, I am clear that people seeking asylum should not be kept in limbo for any longer than necessary and must be given support to integrate into communities. As asylum and immigration are reserved to the UK Government, I have written this week to the Home Secretary to flag these issues in response to the request from the Syrian community representatives that I met.

I extend the same commitment I gave the group to all Syrians in Scotland: We will do everything in our power to ensure that you are welcome and integrated into Scotland for as long as it is your home. You bring so much to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Scotland and we value you in our communities.

For over 10 years now, our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum has been guided by our New Scots refugee integration strategy. We are working with our lead partners, COSLA and Scottish Refugee Council, as well as wider partners to deliver the strategy and support integration for all refugees, people seeking asylum, displaced people and communities.

I stand with the Syrian communities in Scotland in support of their rights, their integration and in supporting their homeland through this hopeful transition.

John Swinney”