Huge increases to foreign artist costs under visa revision

Published Tuesday 24 January 2006 at 14:50 by Nuala Calvi

New work permit rules could create “huge” problems and significant extra expense for companies booking foreign artists to perform in the UK, according to arts organisation and immigration law experts.

Changes proposed by the Home Office would scrap the system whereby entertainers can come to Britain on a joint permit and instead require every member of a group - from a quartet to a full-scale orchestra - to apply individually.

Performers will also have to attend in person at a British consulate in their own country and pay an individual charge of up to £100 instead of the current flat fee of around £150. This could mean extra bills for larger companies totalling several thousand pounds.

Arts organisations warned that the changes would place a much bigger burden on companies travelling to the UK and could lead to tours being cancelled if one member of a group is unable to get their permit processed in time. Requiring every individual to apply in person will also take up vital rehearsal time and prove difficult for artists who do not live near a consulate.

South Bank Centre head of programming Pam Chowhan said: “As one of the largest UK arts centres providing a diverse range of cultural events, the proposed changes to working visas would mean a prohibitive increase in costs and pose practical difficulties and consequences for programming artists from non-EU countries.

“Some individuals, especially emerging artists, may not be in a position to administer their own arrangements. It is in everyone’s interest that the cultural life of the UK remains enriched through the presentation of a diverse programme of international artists.”

Under the plans, employers will also have to fill out forms explaining why there is a need for each individual to work in the UK.

Steve Richard, director of T&S Immigration Services, which advises the music industry on immigration matters, commented: “The new system is trying to treat entertainers in the same way as bankers or doctors who are likely to be migrating here forever, and asking for things like copies of contracts. Most work permits in the entertainment industry are for people coming in and out of the country for just a few days. The current system has existed for 35 years and works very well for entertainers because it has a specific criteria dealing with the industry.”

The National Campaign for the Arts said its members were “up in arms” about the proposals. It has submitted evidence to the Home Office about its concerns and is now in talks with officials about how the plans can be improved.