Home Office Urged to Investigate Scottish Green MP Q Manivannan Over Student Visa Rules

LONDON May 12: The UK Home Office is being urged to investigate newly elected Scottish Green MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) Q Manivannan over concerns they may have breached the conditions of their student visa while serving as a Member of the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Conservatives claim that Manivannan, who was elected last week to represent Edinburgh and the Lothians East regional list in the Scottish Parliament, may not be able to legally fulfil the duties of an MSP under the restrictions attached to a UK student visa.

Manivannan, who identifies as a “queer Tamil immigrant,” is of Indian origin, non-binary, and uses they/them pronouns. They are currently living in Scotland on a student visa but have stated that they are applying for a Graduate visa and a Global Talent visa to continue working and remaining in the UK during their parliamentary career.

Scottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr has written to UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting an investigation into whether Manivannan’s election campaign and parliamentary duties breach immigration rules.

Kerr argued that student visa holders are generally restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, while the role of an MSP is widely regarded as a demanding full-time position.

“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,” Kerr said.

He also claimed it was “almost certain” that Manivannan exceeded permitted work hours during the election campaign.

Responding to the criticism, Manivannan said that all MSPs at Holyrood had unanimously approved rules allowing anyone with the legal right to live in the UK to stand for election, including visa holders.

They also stated that they had completed their grant-funded PhD and viva, which allows them to work full-time while their current visa remains valid.

“I am proud of my heritage and who I am,” Manivannan said. “I am also proud to be a voice for migrants and people on visas who are often excluded from national debate.”

What is an MSP?
A Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) is one of 129 elected representatives serving in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh. MSPs divide their time between parliamentary work and constituency responsibilities, and the role is generally considered full-time.

MSP Salary and Workload
As of 2026, the basic annual salary for an MSP is approximately £77,711, with additional pay available for ministers, committee conveners, and other senior roles. MSPs often work beyond standard office hours, including evenings and weekends.

Student Visa Concerns
Under UK immigration rules, international students are usually limited to 20 hours of work per week during academic term time. Critics argue this could conflict with the extensive workload expected of an MSP. However, graduates who complete their studies may transition to visas such as the Graduate visa or Global Talent visa, both of which can permit full-time work in the UK.

Support from Scottish Greens
The co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Gillian Mackay, told BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show that a new visa application was a process that Manivannan would have to complete over the session of parliament. Mackay said she did not think that obtaining a visa would be a problem and that the party would be supporting them in any way possible. The BBC reports that the Scottish Greens are confident that the MSP salary Manivannan will be entitled to – just below £80,000 – will make obtaining a new visa more straightforward.