Introduction

Scotland’s planned independence has sparked significant discussions about the future of citizenship for both Scots living in England and English citizens domiciled in Scotland. While the outcome of these discussions is unpredictable, it is important to understand the potential implications and how individuals might navigate them.

Current Citizenship Landscape

Currently, the United Kingdom (UK) and Scotland share a complex network of citizenship laws. With over 500,000 Scots residing in England and a similar number of English people living in Scotland, the concept of separating citizenship based on birth or heritage would be impractical and unfair. Many individuals have strong ties to both countries, making the current system flexible and adaptable.

Independent Scotland’s Citizenship Policies

Following the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) adoption of the Australian model for post-independence planning, it is assumed that the terms for Scottish citizenship will be relatively flexible. This suggests that individuals wishing to obtain Scottish citizenship may need to apply, similar to the current situation where dual citizenship is common.

However, concerns have been raised about the economic viability of an independent Scotland, which may lead to challenges for citizens who have lived in both England and Scotland. The potential for receiving financial assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights the need for careful planning and adaptation.

Free Movement of People

One of the most significant considerations is the potential impact on free movement between Scotland and England. If an independent Scotland and the Rest of the United Kingdom (RoUK) agree to a similar arrangement to the ongoing liberalization of the Irish border, free movement could continue to exist. This means that individuals could maintain their current citizenship and rights, or apply for additional citizenship if they wish.

Some companies might require additional paperwork or documentation to establish residency in Scotland. However, in general, there is little reason to believe that an individual living in Scotland, regardless of birthplace, would not be given Scottish citizenship if they have been domiciled there for a significant period.

Future Profiling and Adaptation

The path to Scottish citizenship would depend on several factors, including the new citizenship laws and the implementation of the independence plan. If Scotland gains independence, individuals who have been living in Scotland for a significant time may automatically be granted Scottish citizenship. Birthplace and citizenship are two distinct concepts, with many countries granting citizenship based on where an individual lived or grew up rather than the place of birth.

For example, the United States and Canada both emphasize citizenship based on the place an individual grew up, rather than birthplace. Therefore, an English person who has been living in Scotland for 10 years would likely qualify for Scottish citizenship. Dual citizenship is also commonplace, allowing individuals to maintain their existing citizenship while applying for a second citizenship.

Conclusion

The path to Scottish citizenship for English people living in Scotland is likely to be relatively straightforward. While detailed citizenship laws and regulations are yet to be finalized, the current landscape suggests that these laws will be designed to be inclusive and flexible. With careful planning and adaptation, individuals can navigate these changes to ensure their continued residency and citizenship rights.

Ultimately, the rights and obligations of citizenship are complex, but with the right support and guidance, individuals can navigate these changes successfully.