Written question asked by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Non-affiliated), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 May 2011.

Visas

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what evidence they have of current or recent abuse of visas granted to artists from abroad coming to the United Kingdom to perform or exhibit; what plans they have to revise the present rules and system for the provision of visiting artists' visas; and whether they will make cultural exchange visits from international artists to the United Kingdom easier.

Answer: The immigration system provides different routes of entry for international artists coming to the United Kingdom, depending on their purpose in coming and intended length of stay. Tier 5 of the points-based system, for example, has a category specifically for creative artists coming for periods of up to a year where the purpose involves paid work. Most artists seeking to perform or exhibit would most likely apply under this category. Outside the points-based system, the entertainer visitor visa enables entry, for up to six months, for those coming to perform at or take part in important cultural festivals and for other specific purposes such as charity events and music competitions. We have received some reports of abuse in these categories but we have not carried out a systematic analysis. The Government are reviewing all immigration routes of entry and tier five of the points-based system will be looked at in the coming months as part of this work.

Secondary information