Indian international student Q Manivannan is facing scrutiny after failing to explain what happened to more than £1,100 raised through an online fundraiser for visa-related expenses during the final days of the Scottish election campaign.
As per Daily Mail, the newly elected Scottish Green MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East had appealed to supporters to help fund a graduate visa application, saying the money would allow additional time to later apply for a permanent Global Talent Visa and “secure a path toward settlement” in the UK.
According to the fundraising page, £1,161 had been raised toward a £2,089 target before the page was removed amid growing media attention surrounding Manivannan’s immigration status and ability to complete a full five-year parliamentary term.
Neither Manivannan nor the Scottish Green Party has publicly clarified why the fundraising page was deleted or what happened to the donated funds.
In the original appeal, Manivannan described Scotland as “home” and explained they were living in a “transitional phase” after completing a PhD earlier this year.
“I have been living off savings while contesting an election campaign,” the statement said.
The appeal also noted that while Manivannan already qualified for a Global Talent Visa, the lengthy endorsement and processing period made the graduate visa a necessary interim step.
Reports have since confirmed that Manivannan currently holds a student visa due to expire later this year.
Under UK immigration rules, student visas typically carry restrictions including limits on working hours and permanent employment. However, the UK Home Office has reportedly confirmed that elected political positions such as serving as an MSP are not classified as employment under immigration regulations.
Questions have nevertheless emerged over whether serving full-time as an MSP could complicate a future Global Talent Visa application, which is designed for individuals recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in fields such as science, digital technology, arts and culture.
Home Office guidance states that applicants cannot qualify for the Global Talent route solely on the basis of being an MSP, with applications requiring detailed assessments of professional skills, achievements and experience.
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