The Home Office is facing calls to investigate a newly elected Green Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) after allegations that they breached immigration rules. Q Manivannan, who is originally from India and identifies as a “queer Tamil immigrant” using they/them pronouns, secured a seat on the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list in the recent Holyrood elections.
Allegations of Visa Breach
Manivannan currently resides in Scotland on a student visa. On Friday, they announced plans to apply for a graduate visa to extend their work period in the UK, as well as a global talent visa to remain for the entirety of their parliamentary term. However, the Scottish Conservatives have accused them of violating visa conditions, which stipulate that student visa holders may work a maximum of 20 hours per week, whether paid or voluntary.
Stephen Kerr, a Conservative MSP, has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging an investigation. Kerr stated: “I’m calling on the Home Office to look into this case, because I can’t see how Q Manivannan can fulfil the duties of an MSP without breaching the strict terms under which a student visa is issued. Being an MSP is a demanding, full-time job that can’t possibly be carried out effectively by working less than 20 hours per week.”
Kerr further argued that it was “almost certain” Manivannan had already exceeded the work limit during the election campaign. He emphasised that immigration rules “must be applied fairly and equally to all” and “certainly can’t be breached by a lawmaking MSP.” He criticised the Scottish Greens for failing to conduct proper due diligence, stating, “This is a shambles entirely of the Scottish Greens’ making – and they owe an explanation to voters in Edinburgh.”
Manivannan's Response
In a statement on Monday evening, Manivannan defended their position, noting that every MSP at Holyrood unanimously voted to allow anyone with the right to live in the UK to stand for election, “including new Scots on visas like me.” They explained, “I am a Commonwealth citizen and am currently on a student visa which will expire later this year. Having passed my grant-funded PhD and viva, I am able to work full-time.”
Manivannan confirmed they are transitioning to a graduate visa for an additional three-year stay and have applied for a global talent visa, “recognising my contributions to the country, which will allow me to stay in the UK for the entire of my parliamentary term and beyond.” They added, “I am proud of my heritage and who I am. I am also proud to be a voice for all my constituents, including migrants and people on visas who are often shut out of our national debate.”
Manivannan is one of two transgender MSPs elected, alongside fellow Green Iris Duane in Glasgow. The Home Office and the Scottish Green Party have been approached for comment.
