Why is there a row about an MSP's immigration status?
Summary
Q Manivannan, elected as a Scottish Green Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), is currently on a student visa set to expire soon. Recent changes in Scottish election rules allow non-UK citizens with limited visa status to stand for election, which enabled their candidacy despite earlier restrictions.Key Facts
- Q Manivannan is originally from India and moved to Scotland in 2021 to study for a PhD.
- They use they/them pronouns and are one of the first trans and non-binary MSPs.
- Manivannan was elected on the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list for the Scottish Greens.
- They currently hold a student visa but have applied for a graduate visa, which would allow them to stay in the UK for up to three years after finishing their studies.
- They have also applied for a global talent visa, which, if granted, would permit a five-year stay covering the parliamentary term.
- Until 2024, only people with indefinite leave to remain could stand for election, but the Scottish Parliament changed this to include limited leave to remain.
- Student visa holders can work 20 hours a week during their studies, but Manivannan has completed their course, and this restriction does not apply to MSP duties.
- It is not clear what happens if an MSP loses the right to stay in the UK during their term.
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