An Indian national who faced deportation after ten years of living in Scotland won his fight against the Home Office last week.

Swarthick Salins, who holds a PhD from the University of St. Andrews, was told he and his family would have to leave the country after their savings had allegedly fallen below the required amount.

Dr Salins, 37, appealed the decision and provided the UK Border Agency with sufficient information proving that his savings were enough to support him, his wife and three children.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “A fresh application was made under the highly skilled category of the points based system. As new information was supplied, this was successful, as any applicant would be if they can show that they can meet the requirements.”

“Our new point based immigration rules are tough, as we have a duty to ensure that migrants are able to support themselves and their dependants when they are in the UK.”

Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond previously criticised the Home Office saying: “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 £78 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.”

The Home Office responded to the comments made regarding the exact amount Dr Salins was lacking in his savings, saying the figures circulating in the media are inaccurate.

“It has been said that Mr Salin’s savings were £78 less than the required amount, even though we cannot comment on the specifics of his case we can say that the amount in question was significantly more than that.”

Dr Salins, also known as Thamma, came to the UK to study with the help of charity set up by Scottish millionaire Ann Gleog, who also previously criticized the decision to deport the family.

She expressed her relief over the outcome of the appeal saying that she is “pleased the matter is being properly resolved and the dreadful veil of uncertainty which has been hanging over Thamma and his family has been lifted.”

Dr Salins expressed his joy over the decision saying: “This is my home, the country where my children were born. It is the only place we want to live and work.”