FIRST MINISTER BACKS SALINS BID TO STAY.

FIRST MINISTER BACKS SALINS BID TO STAY. HOME OFFICE MUST HAVE RAPID RETHINK ON DEPORTATION Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond has given his backing to Dr Swarthick Salins, the Perth resident refused leave to remain in the UK because his savings dipped £78 below the minimum level set by the UK Border Agency. Mr Salmond gave his support after meeting today (Friday) with Dr Salins and his local MP, Pete Wishart, and confirmed that he would be writing to the Home Secretary on the case. Mr Salmond said: “It beggars belief that Dr Salins faces deportation because his bank balance dipped below some arbitrary level set by the Border Agency. “For the sake of seventy pounds Swarthick Salins faces deportation, being torn away from his wife and children and losing his job. It makes no sense any way you look at it and the Home Office should have a rapid rethink. “Dr Salins is a tremendous asset to his home community in Perth, and held in high regard by all who know him. I hope the Home Office will look again at this situation, and show some decency and discretion.” Perth and North Perthshire MP, Pete Wishart, said: “I am delighted that the First Minister took time to meet with Swarthick, and is set to make representation on his case with the Home Office. “It is a truly ridiculous immigration system that treats people like this. Perth has been Swarthick Salins home for almost ten years, he has three dependent children born here, and is a fully integrated and active member of the local community. “To boot him out for the sake of seventy pounds is absolutely absurd. Our immigration system needs to stop behaving like an ass and deal with the many real problems and issues we have in the UK instead of harassing and threatening hard working people.”