Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan visa extended to 2029

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 13:55 · Archive

Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan's visa has been extended from student to graduate status for three years.

Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan, aged 30 and originally from India, has had their visa extended to allow them to continue working in the UK. Elected to Holyrood in May while on a student visa, they announced on Friday that it had been extended to a graduate visa. The three-year extension takes them to 2029, two years short of the full parliamentary term.

Concerns had been raised that Manivannan could lose the right to work in the UK while serving as an MSP. They previously announced plans to also apply for a global talent visa. Manivannan said: 'This is my home and I'm not going anywhere.'

Reform and the Tories had criticised the Greens for allowing Manivannan to run for election despite not being a UK citizen or having indefinite leave to remain. The Greens said all parties voted for the legislation which allowed immigrants to run in elections. Manivannan has faced a number of controversies since becoming an MSP, including claims they sought to portray themselves as disadvantaged despite coming from a wealthy family, and criticism over remarks about rape. Manivannan said the podcast comments were 'maliciously' edited but said they were 'sorry' for the language and upset caused.

How it is being reported

• Green MSP Q Manivannan allowed to continue working in UK after visa extendedSCOTTISH Green MSP Q Manivannan has been allowed to continue living and working in the UKThe National · 9 Oct, 13:10
• Green MSP Q Manivannan allowed to continue working in UK after visa extendedManivannan, who has described themselves as a “queer Tamil immigrant”, said: “This is my home and I’m not going anywhere.”Daily Record · 9 Oct, 12:45

In this story: Q Manivannan · Scottish Greens · Scottish Parliament · India · Edinburgh and Lothians East

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