The Scottish Greens have pledged their full support for transgender MSP Q Manivannan as they navigate the visa renewal process to continue serving a full term at the Scottish Parliament.
Visa Renewal Necessary
Co-leader Gillian Mackay confirmed that Dr Manivannan, who was elected as an MSP for the Edinburgh and Lothians East region, will need to apply for a visa renewal. Dr Manivannan, a self-declared “queer Tamil immigrant,” is believed to have resided in Scotland since 2021, with speculation suggesting they are in the UK on a student visa.
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Ms Mackay stated: “There will have to be a renewal of Q’s visa. That is a process they will have to complete over the session of Parliament.” She emphasised that the Scottish Parliament had “specifically passed legislation to allow people like Q to be able to stand and be MSPs.”
Confidence in Approval
When pressed on the possibility of the Home Office refusing the visa renewal, Ms Mackay expressed confidence, saying: “I don’t think it is likely that will happen.” She added that the Greens will do “anything we can do to support Q” throughout the renewal process.
Dr Manivannan was one of 15 Green MSPs elected in the party’s best-ever election result. Ms Mackay praised her party’s achievements, stating: “We have returned some fantastic MSPs. I can’t wait to see what they are all going to achieve this session.”
She further highlighted the party’s priorities: “I am actually interested in what we can deliver for Scotland, making sure we do push for those things that do put money back into people’s pockets, that tackle those twin crises of the climate emergency and the cost-of-living crisis and make sure that Scotland is that kinder, fairer place.”
