A lecturer in Glasgow has won his appeal regarding his application for a UK work permit, it has been revealed.
Dr Muhammad Idress Ahmad, 34 and originally from Pakistan, was told by the Home Office that he would have to leave the country as his bank balance was too low to be awarded the work permit.
It is a requirement for individuals applying for post-study UK work permits to have at least £800 in their bank for a 90-day period prior to the application.
However, Dr Ahmad, who gained a PhD in sociology at Strathclyde University and was later offered a job that paid around £35,000 a year at an English university, received a late payment from a client, meaning that his balance dipped below the crucial level during the application process.
Fortunately, his appeal against the Home Office decision to a judge in Glasgow was successful, reports from the Scotsman have confirmed.
A friend of the lecturer told the paper: “He went to the hearing expecting to be given a few weeks in which to leave the country, so it was a huge surprise when the judge agreed with him.
“It just shows they can use discretion, and it’s just a shame they were unable to show some common sense earlier.”
The rule regarding personal finances is designed to prevent people from moving to the UK and becoming reliant on state handouts. However, this case has highlighted the lack of flexibility within the UK immigration system and the need for applicants to be organised and determined when seeking their UK work permit or visa.