News - Visa fees slashed amidst fears for Fringe

A partial reversal in the increase of visa fees for artists and performers has been greeted with delight by arts organisations. April saw the cost of artists visas increased from £85 to £200, causing widespread dismay in the arts sector, with organisations claiming that they would struggle to cover the increased costs of events involving international artists. But at a meeting last week of the Arts and Entertainment Task Force, Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne, announced that the rate would be reduced to £99 for artists who do not require a work permit to enter the UK. Leading the campaign to reduce the costs of visas for artists was the National Campaign for the Arts, whose Director, Louise de Winter, claimed that the partial concession set an important precedent, adding: The Home Office decision recognises that its policy may have a negative impact on artists, whilst also recognising the international environment in which artists work. We will continue to campaign on the fees for artists visas and against some of the requirements of the proposed new Points Based System as it relates to artists.
Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has raised concerns that legislation currently passing through Westminster will have a detrimental effect on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Stewart Hosie, Westminster MP for Dundee East, has written to the Home Secretary, expressing fears that performers will be deterred from coming to Edinburgh because of Government proposals in the UK Borders Bill to amend existing visa application procedures for non-European Union artists. Claiming that Clause 16 of the new Bill will give extensive powers to impose onerous conditions on artists, Mr. Hosie said, If the proposals were introduced in their current format, fringe artists would be required to apply for a work permit under the temporary workers and youth mobility tier, which would undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on the numbers travelling to Edinburgh. Estimates provided by the SNP suggest additional costs to the Fringe organisers would be in excess of £600,000 for visa fees, £50,000 for additional staff and £300,000 for certificates of sponsorship.