Minutes: 10 February 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private.

2. Refugees and Asylum Seekers:

The Committee took evidence from—

Graham O'Neill, Policy Manager, Scottish Refugee Council;

Andy Sirel, Legal Director & Partner, JustRight Scotland;

Lidia Dancu, JustCitizens Member, JustRight Scotland;

and then from—

Hassan Darasi, Challenging Violence Against Women project manager, Community Infosource;

Phil Arnold, Head of Refugee Services – Scotland, Wales and N Ireland, British Red Cross;

Maggie Lennon, Director, Bridges Programmes;

Pinar Aksu, Human Rights and Advocacy Coordinator, Maryhill Integration Network.

3. Refugees and Asylum Seekers (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Nationality and Borders Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered the legislative consent memorandum lodged by Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (LCM (S6) 14) and agreed to publish a short, factual report.

5. Work programme (in private):

The Committee agreed its approach to an inquiry into debt.