Row over MSP candidate's immigration status prompts debate in Holyrood

The article reports a row over Manivannan's eligibility after their election to the Scottish Parliament. Manivannan is on a student visa and has applied for a graduate visa (up to three years) and a global talent visa (up to five years). Opponents including Ian Blackford, Thomas Kerr, Stephen Kerr and Emma Roddick weighed in, with Ross Greer defending the Greens. The piece notes debates about staffing under visa rules, the potential duration of service, and references to the 2024 reform bill that extended candidacy rights to those with limited leave to remain. It also explains that the change was debated alongside concerns from the Law Society and comments from Lib Dem Alex Cole-Hamilton and government minister Jamie Hepburn.

During the bill's consideration, the Law Society of Scotland warned that limited leave to remain is commonly short (about two-and-a-half years) and could create administrative burdens and potential by-elections if MSPs lose their leave to remain.

The Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill passed unanimously, extending candidacy rights to non-UK citizens with limited leave to remain, which enabled Manivannan to stand for Holyrood elections.

In the year ending March 2024, more than 99% of graduate applications were successful, according to Universities UK, illustrating favorable outcomes for graduate applicants.

Manivannan moved to Scotland in 2021 to study for a PhD in international relations at the University of St Andrews.