New Immigration Rules Will Hit Performing Arts

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Jun 2007

Government plans for a points based system for immigration could have a massive detrimental impact on the performing arts, according to Liberal Democrat Arts and Culture Spokesperson, Paul Holmes MP.

The plan would force all performers from outside the EU to apply for work permit visas at a cost of £200 each. This would drive up costs for a touring company of 100 members from £8500 to £20,000.

Commenting, Paul Holmes said:

"It is essential that artists from abroad come to the UK to take part in performances to maintain our reputation as a cultural world leader and major tourist destination.

"There is a great danger that touring companies will choose to avoid the UK due to these excessive costs and that the UK will no longer host world--class drama, music and dance events.

"The new immigration system is based on the Australian model where performing artists are allowed entry outside of the normal immigration rules. It is madness that the UK plans to implement this scheme without a similar exemption.

"Today I have written to Liam Byrne, the Minister for Immigration, to demand that artists entering the UK temporarily to perform should be exempt from this system."