AN SNP MP has written to the Home Office calling for an explanation as to why a postgraduate student from the University of Stirling has been detained for seven weeks.
We previously told how Muhammad Rauf Waris was arrested and detained by immigration workers after being accused of breaching the conditions of his visa by working more than the legally permitted 20 hours per week.
However, in an open letter to the Home Office signed by hundreds of people, it is said that Waris provided all the necessary information to show he was not in fact breaking any rules.
The situation is complicated further by the fact that Waris is based in Rutherglen and so at this moment in time is not represented by an MP following the removal of Margaret Ferrier as the area’s MP.
As such, SNP MP for Stirling Alyn Smith has written to the Home Office seeking clarification on the case as things stand.
In a letter seen by The National, the MP said: “I am writing to ask about the arrest and detention of Muhammad Rauf Waris who is a postgraduate student at the University of Stirling.
“Muhammad was arrested and detained in June after being accused of breaching the conditions of his visa by working more than the legally permitted 20 hours per week.
“He is being held at Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre (below) and has been in custody for seven weeks.
“For an individual to be held for this length of time is completely unacceptable.”
The National has already approached the Home Office for a comment although it is yet to respond.
The letter continued: “Could you please explain what has happened in this case? Why has this individual been held for so long, and what timescales are there for a decision to be made in this individual’s case?
“Any further information that you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated.”
Speaking to The National, Smith said he had been contacted by several of Waris’s friends and that he was “concerned”.
“Given he lives in Rutherglen and now has no representation I feel compelled to ensure his case does not slip through any cracks."
