A MAN facing expulsion from the UK after correcting an error in a tax return has hit out at the suggestion he may be a threat to national security.

Mustafa Ali Baig, 37, had his application for indefinite leave to remain rejected under a discretionary clause in Home Office guidance. It allows officials to knock-back applications on the grounds of the “undesirability” of those who have a criminal conviction, poor character or associations, or who “represent a threat to national security”.

The decision came after the compliance and vetting officer made a correction to a tax return that had been submitted years earlier. The error, made by his accountant on forms for 2010-11, saw £5000 left off even though the correct sum had been paid.

Now the Pakistani national, who has been in Britain for 12 years, is to take his immigration battle to court after officials gave him 14 days to leave his job, flat and life in Glasgow. The University of the West of Scotland graduate told The National: “I don’t have a criminal record, I don’t even have a parking ticket in this country. I have paid enormous amounts of tax. Everything is correct. I am being penalised for my honesty.”

Mustapha, who volunteers for Radio Ramadan and is general secretary of the Pakistani Press Club Scotland, says it took the Home Office 16 months to reach their decision and says the long wait and subsequent judgement has prevented him from travelling home to see his parents and marry his fiancee, a fellow Pakistani studying in Scotland.

However, he says his case is not unique, stating: “I have got approximately 10 people in Scotland who are facing this situation – their story is the same as mine.”

Skilled migrants from outwith the EU protested against immigration changes outside the Houses of Parliament in London yesterday as Mustafa’s MP Alison Thewliss raised his case with Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Home Office has reached its limit on immigration from this group for the third month in a row and there are concerns that the arbitrary cap will cause a staffing shortage in the restaurant industry, health and other areas.

Thewliss said: “The Prime Minister needs to recognise that these Home Office policies are not fit for purpose. If she wants the UK to continue to attract people from around the world, she needs first to recognise and appreciate the contributions being made by those who are already here.”

The call came as new immigration figures revealed net migration has fallen by 29,000 in a year, with fewer EU nationals arriving and more exiting the United Kingdom. Non-EU net migration is now higher than that from the bloc.

Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said the Government remains committed to reducing net migration “to the tens of thousands”, adding: “This means an immigration system that attracts and retains people who come to work and bring significant benefits to the UK but does not offer an open door to those who don’t.”

The Home Office was asked whether it stands by the decision that Mustafa may be a threat to national security. However, no response had been received by the time The National went to press.