Chloë Reddaway provides an update on the implications of immigration policy for arts organisations
The National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) has been campaigning for nearly two years to ensure that changes to immigration policy, with the introduction of a Points Based System (PBS) in 2008, are not detrimental to the arts.
PBS poses logistical and financial problems for the sector. In March, visa fees rose suddenly and dramatically, so the NCA collated information about the impact of the new fees (actual and foreseen) for the Home Office, and briefed MPs, Peers, members and the press. On 12 June we were able to report that fees for artists entering the UK on a permit-free basis would be reduced from the increased rate of £200 to £99. The reduction is by no means sufficient (those with work permits are still paying £200), but it is nevertheless significant because it establishes the important precedent that a negative economic impact on the arts can prompt changes in pricing, and recognises the international environment in which artists work. The NCA asked for assurance that this approach would be carried forward into PBS and that the arts would not suffer increased costs with its introduction; but whilst officials are generally sympathetic to the arts, they warn that the transfer to PBS will not be pain free. A consultation on the new charging regime under PBS was due to open in June but has been delayed indefinitely. The practicalities of using PBS have become clearer over the summer. However, there are logistical problems in that biometric data collection points, at which applicants will have their fingerprints taken, will not necessarily be visa processing centres which may be hundreds of miles away. Since the 24-hour turnaround period for applications will start when all the information arrives at the processing centre, for the sponsor and migrant the process will be longer.
On the policy side, developments are mixed. Many of the arts sectors questions have yet to receive definite answers. However, there has been progress in drafting codes of practice on resident labour market testing, which are designed to protect the resident labour force while giving sponsors the flexibility to bring talent from overseas to the UK. These codes will form part of the sponsorship rules, and the Arts and Entertainment Task Force is reviewing the draft rules, along with a draft Statement of Intent, due to be published in advance of the final policy.
Chloë Reddaway is Campaigns Manager for the National Campaign for the Arts.
w: http://www.artscampaign.org.uk