[Falkirk, 25.04.2025] Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank has condemned the skilled worker visa rules introduced by the previous Conservative Government, as one of his Falkirk constituents, Farouq Ahmed, faces the prospect of removal under changes to the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
Farouq, a graduate of the University of Stirling, has worked at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in a frontline role, helping to deliver child maintenance enforcement services. Despite his service to this crucial public service, contributions to the community, and record of following the rules, he now faces removal from the UK after his visa was refused due to not meeting the revised salary threshold.
Farouq is one of dozens of local DWP workers being represented by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which has in April written to the Prime Minister to ask for the issue to be addressed urgently.
Mr Stainbank, who is supporting Farouq’s case, said:
“Farouq’s story is heartbreaking and infuriating. He has done everything right—he came here legally, studied hard, worked in public service, paid his taxes, and made a real difference to families across the UK while living and contributing to Falkirk. To now be threatened with removal due to an arbitrary salary threshold is counterproductive.
“This is yet another example of the damaging legacy left behind by the Conservative Government’s panicked reaction to their broken immigration system. These rules weren’t designed with fairness or common sense in mind—they were driven by political expediency and a Tory Government who knew their policies were failing.
“Farouq and those like him are not a statistic—he’s a hardworking civil servant who has worked tirelessly for children to receive the support they’re due. He contributes to the system every day, and it is frankly disgraceful that the system is now turning its back on him.”
Mr Stainbank continues to work with affected constituents and is committed to advocating for a fair, compassionate and effective visa policy that reflects the values of welcoming those who seek to contribute to our society and the skills needs of the country.
Alloa and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman has also met with representatives from the PCS union locally and heard directly from those affected by the changes to the scheme.
Mr Leishman said:
“The Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship salary thresholds and criteria, introduced by the previous Tory government, should be changed to allow hard-working DWP staff to stay.
“I have previously met with PCS officials as well as constituents of my own who are worried about their families’ future in Alloa and Grangemouth – despite doing everything right.
“DWP workers such as Farouq have done so much to contribute positively to our society, yet they are now being denied the opportunity to remain working simply because their pay is lagging far behind other government departments.
“With the DWP facing a staffing shortage, it is baffling to see that the government’s own rules will see hundreds of experienced staff dismissed.
“Farouq and others have sought to contribute meaningfully to our society, we should be grateful that they chose the UK to study, live and work.
“I stand firmly with the affected workers. The DWP and Home Office must do more to resolve the issue before families are removed from the UK.”
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said:
“Farouk is one of the many human beings behind the statistics but for being in a low paid department would still be working in the DWP.
“We are asking for your urgent intervention in this matter in an attempt to prevent a wholly unnecessary and cruel escalation for these individuals and their families.
“If a solution cannot be found, then the government risks undermining its stated aims of supporting people into work and providing opportunities to its citizens to progress in their working lives.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- See here The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union’s letter to the Prime Minister regarding the issue of Skilled Workers Visa and PCS members working for the DWP.
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