Scotland’s first trans MSP vows to construct ‘truthful system’ regardless of unsure visa standing
Dr Q Manivannan, one of two transgender Green MSPs elected this week, is currently in the UK on a student visa but is applying for a graduate visa – and a global talent visa – to allow them to continue serving in the Scottish Parliament
Dr Q Manivannan (left) is one of two transgender Green MSPs voted in this week(Image: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images)
A recently elected Scottish Green MSP has revealed they are currently pursuing a graduate visa to extend their right to work in the UK.
Dr Q Manivannan, one of two transgender Green MSPs voted in this week, is presently in the UK on a student visa.
The non-binary MSP, who uses they/them pronouns, explained they will simultaneously apply for a global talent visa which will enable them to stay in the UK throughout their parliamentary tenure.
Several social media users have raised concerns about whether their right to work in the UK might be at risk given their student visa circumstances.
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Dr Manivannan said: “Every MSP from every party represented in the Scottish Parliament unanimously voted to allow everyone with the right to live here to stand in elections, including new Scots on visas like me.
“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. I am in the process of transitioning to a graduate visa which will allow me to stay in the UK for a further three years.
“At the same time, I am also applying 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.”
The MSP, who hails from the Tamil Nadu region of India, described the Home Office as “dehumanising” towards migrants, adding that they intend to challenge this during their time as a politician in the UK. They said: “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.
“I am also proud to have been awarded and recognised for my local work in arts and culture, academia, and human rights in Scotland – serving our people during my time here. Scotland is home, in every way.
“The Scottish Greens want to build a fair and humane system that treats people with dignity and respect rather than the current Home Office system that is costly, difficult, and often dehumanising. With my election, I seek to represent that goal.”
A Scottish Parliament spokesperson stated: “It is the responsibility of individual candidates and political parties to ensure that all relevant qualifications for standing for election are met.
“There is no role for the Parliament in carrying out checks on candidates who are elected.”
Green Party co-leader Gillian Mackay previously said the party would do “anything we can do to support Q” in their renewal process, though she believes it is “unlikely” they will be rejected in their visa renewal.
The Mirror has approached the Home Office for comment.
