Scottish Greens transgender MSP 'in process' of securing new visa

Scottish Greens transgender MSP Q Manivannan is in the process of securing a new visa to enable them to serve a full term at Holyrood.

Co-leader Gillian Mackay confirmed Dr Manivannan – one of two transgender Green MSPs elected this week – will need to apply for a visa renewal.

Dr Manivannan, an MSP for the Edinburgh and Lothians East region, is reported to have lived in Scotland since 2021.

On Monday, they confirmed they are currently on a student visa, which will expire later this year.

Dr Manivannan was one of 15 Greens MSPs elected in what was the party’s best-ever election result.

Q said in a statement: “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 entirety of my parliamentary term and beyond.

“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”

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “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.”