Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will (a) extend the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) route from 30 days to 90 days to allow for longer tours and opera seasons for musicians and (b) allow the PPE route for multiple entries to the UK.

There are no plans to extend the Permitted Paid Engagement route from 30 days to 90 days. The PPE visit visa already allows, whilst valid, multiple entries to the UK

Currently, visiting artists, entertainers and musicians can 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 specific engagements, under the Visitor route.

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