Visa Renewal Required for New Scottish Green MSP
One of the newly elected Scottish Green MSPs will need to renew their visa during their tenure at Holyrood.
Q Manivannan, originally from India, currently resides in the UK on a student visa. Recent changes to eligibility rules have allowed them to stand as an MSP.
Party Support and Visa Process
Gillian Mackay, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, spoke to BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show regarding the visa renewal process. She explained that Manivannan would have to complete a new visa application during the parliamentary session.
"I do not think that obtaining a visa would be a problem and the party will be supporting them in any way possible," Mackay said.
The BBC has learned that the Scottish Greens are optimistic that Manivannan's MSP salary, which is just under £80,000, will facilitate a smoother visa renewal process.
Personal Background and Election Details
Manivannan uses they/them pronouns and identifies as a "queer Tamil immigrant." They were elected on Friday as a list MSP representing Edinburgh and Lothians East, becoming one of two trans MSPs elected to the Scottish Parliament, both of whom represent the Scottish Greens.
Parliamentary Procedures
In the event that a list MSP resigns or leaves Holyrood, the next candidate on the party list assumes the seat without triggering a by-election.
