The Home Office is facing calls to investigate a newly elected Green MSP after allegations of breaching immigration rules. Q Manivannan, a non-binary politician who uses they/them pronouns and describes themselves as a "queer Tamil immigrant," was elected to the Scottish Parliament last week representing Edinburgh and Lothians East on the regional list.
Visa Status and Allegations
Manivannan, originally from India, is currently in Scotland on a student visa. On Friday, they announced plans to apply for a graduate visa and a global talent visa to remain in the UK for their parliamentary term. The Scottish Conservatives have accused them of violating visa terms, claiming the guidance "clear that holders of student visas are only permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week, whether voluntary or paid."
Stephen Kerr, a Conservative MSP, wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging an investigation. He argued that being an MSP is a full-time role and that Manivannan likely exceeded the limit during the election campaign. "Immigration rules must be applied fairly and equally to all," Kerr said, adding that the situation is "a shambles entirely of the Scottish Greens' making."
Legal Exemptions and Response
However, immigration rules specify that standing for or filling an elected role in local or devolved governments does not count as employment, nor do hours worked count toward the 20-week limit. In a statement, Manivannan noted that all Holyrood parties unanimously voted to allow anyone with the right to live in the UK to stand in elections, including "new Scots on visas like me." They added, "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 is transitioning to a graduate visa and has applied for a global talent visa. They said, "I am proud to be a voice for all my constituents, including migrants and people on visas who are often shut out of our national debate." The Scottish Green Party has been approached for comment.
