Extradition-threat dad can stay here

Apr 28 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A RELIEVED Perth dad-of-three has been allowed to stay in Scotland after a controversial extradition threat was lifted.

Indian-born academic Swarthick Salins (37) and his family, who live in Perth, were told they would have to leave the country after his savings fell below £800.

But a fresh residency application was accepted by Border Agency staff in Glasgow, meaning Mr Salins, his wife and the couple’s three children under seven, who were all born in Scotland, can now stay.

With support from a charity set up by Stagecoach millionaire Ann Gloag, Mr Salins completed a PhD from St Andrews University.

He said he was “elated” by the decision and looking forward to launching his career.

“I’m glad all of this is over and I can get on with my life,” he said.

“I’ve struggled hard enough to get my PhD and I think now I can use my skills.

“I’ve enjoyed studying here and I hope to enjoy working here as well.”

Defending its rigorous assessment procedure, a UK Border Agency spokeswoman said new information had helped Mr Salins’ case.

“We have a duty to ensure that migrants are able to support themselves and their dependants when they are in the UK,” he said.