SCOTLAND'S First Minister has written an open letter to EU citizens living in Scotland, telling them: "This is your home, you are welcome here and we want you to stay."
In her letter, made available in several different languages, Nicola Sturgeon wrote that the hardest part of Brexit had been meeting people from the EU who have no certainty over whether they will be able to stay in the country.
The announcement was made as Prime Minister Theresa May wrote to European Council president Donald Tusk to request an extension to Article 50 until June 30.
The UK is due to leave the EU at the end of next week but May will now seek to delay Brexit again after her deal was rejected for a third time last week.
READ MORE: Theresa May asks for Article 50 extension until June 30
Sturgeon said: "As EU citizens in the UK, you have had to endure years of careless indecision on what the future holds for your lives, your careers and your families.
"Many of you have been living in Scotland for several years and have built your lives and raised your families here.
"The hardest part of dealing with Brexit has been meeting EU citizens across Scotland, who want to stay here but who do not know what steps they need to take and whether their rights will be secured."
She added: "The closer we move towards the UK's exit from the European Union, the more real and substantial reassurances about your rights and position in this country you need.
"As the First Minister of Scotland, I want to thank you for the contribution you make to Scotland.
"I am proud to say this is your home, you are welcome here and we want you to stay."
My open letter to every EU national living in Scotland as @scotgov sets out practical support to help you stay here. This is your home, you are welcome here, we value your contribution and we want you to stay. #StayinScotland pic.twitter.com/jA09x7tYmO
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 5, 2019
READ MORE: May blasted over new Brexit 'cliff edge'
Sturgeon also announced the Scottish Government has established a Stay in Scotland package for EU citizens to help them remain in the country.
The package includes a £250,000 pledge for community-based support across Scotland, the establishment of a support and advice service for EU citizens who have more complex needs or particular challenges and a toolkit for employers, including posters, factsheets, digital content and guides directing EU citizens to further guidance.
🏴🇪🇺 The @ScotGovFM has made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home as @ScotGov promises to continue to make a strong case for their rights to be protected in any Brexit scenario at the launch of the #StayInScotland campaign today.https://t.co/rLN2mmjdOb pic.twitter.com/foPACZQkYv
— Jeane Freeman (@JeaneF1MSP) April 5, 2019
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