Scotland has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.
Under the 1951 UN Refugees Convention, the UK and other signatories are obliged to consider properly any application for asylum made by a person who claims to be fleeing persecution by the state.
The UK government's dispersal policy, introduced in 1999, led to large numbers of asylum seekers and refugees settling in Scotland, particularly Glasgow. Some other people come directly to Scotland to claim asylum.
Overall, the Scottish Refugee Council estimates there are currently approximately 10,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in Scotland, mainly in Glasgow.