Visa improvements in the pipeline

A fast track for emergency visas for international artists and a more formal recognition of professional experience and training should become part of the points-based immigration system, following recommendations made by the Home Affairs Committee. The Committee heard evidence from a number of arts organisations including the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA), the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the Association of Circus Proprietors ({AP194}). A specific case was made for ballet dancers, most of whom are highly trained but hold no formal qualification. The Committee reiterated that “the Government must recalibrate the allocation of points to recognise professional experience and training”, and welcomed “the inclusion of ‘skilled ballet dancers’, ‘skilled contemporary dancers’ and ‘skilled orchestral musicians’ on the latest UK shortage occupation list as an interim measure”. Mark Pemberton, Director of the ABO, also welcomed the inclusion of orchestral musicians on the shortage list. “We submitted our evidence at the start of this year which revealed that there were 111 vacancies across the major orchestras,” he told AP. “Other countries do not restrict access... and we would be loath to see a system implemented that restricted the ability of our orchestras to recruit the very best of musicians from across the world.” However, the Musicians Union (MU), does not support this move. A spokesperson told AP that the MU is not opposed to non-UK musicians working in key orchestral roles, but added that the MU has “never seen conclusive evidence of there being a shortage of orchestral musicians in this country”.
A further issue highlighted by the arts sector is the lack of collection centres for the required biometric data. The Committee recommended the urgent establishment of more biometric collection points, including mobile collection centres, and added that “the UK Border Agency (UKBA) must improve its processing times” and ensure a streamlined process for emergencies. The Committee recognised the importance of this for the arts, recommending “that a specific exemption be made to enable fast-tracking of visas for exceptional emergency cases such as international artistic replacements”. The NCA has welcomed the report, urging the Government and UKBA to “take on board its recommendations as swiftly as possible”.