Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that immigration rules support the needs of the music industry.

Non EEA visiting artists, entertainers and musicians can currently perform at events, take part in competitions and auditions, make personal appearances and take part in promotional activities for up to 6 months without the need for formal sponsorship or a work visa. They can also receive payment for appearances at permit free festivals for up to 6 months, or for up to one month for a specific engagement, under the Visitor route.

In future Artists wishing to come to the UK for longer-term work will need to do so under the points-based system. Under this system there will continue to be special arrangements for creative workers, which in future will encompass both EEA and non-EEA citizens.

The Home Office continues to engage with the creative sector to ensure the future system will enable the UK’s cultural life to thrive.