STRICTER rules on work permits for entertainers could force visiting orchestras, theatre and ballet companies and even the Rolling Stones off the road, immigration experts say.
The new laws, which will affect everyone from the Berlin Philharmonic to the celebrity entourage accompanying the likes of Jennifer Lopez, will prevent foreign artists and entertainers from entering Britain on a “group” work permit.
At present, non-EU touring stars can “sign in” an army of musicians, bodyguards and manicurists on one temporary work permit issued through a centre in Sheffield.
Under changes proposed by the Home Office any person wishing to travel to Britain as part of a touring group will have to make an individual application at a British consulate in their home country. Each member of a party will also have to supply details of a sponsor from an approved list, and each case will be assessed individually. Those with criminal records could be barred.
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The entertainment industry fears that tours to Britain will be cancelled if artists are refused entry or are put off by the increased cost. At present, overseas groups pay a flat fee of £153 for a work permit. Under the new rules, each member of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra touring party, for instance, will have to apply for a permit costing up to £100. Theatre groups and circuses will also be affected.
But for sheer complexity take the case of the Rolling Stones. The band, now on tour in America, have a crew that includes 100 North Americans, Australians and other non-EU nationals who are needed to create their latest “Bigger Bang” stage extravaganza in Britain this summer. Steve Richard, director of T&S Immigration Services, a work permit specialist for the entertainment industry who deals with the Stones, said: “It would cause chaos because Australian members of the road crew would have to leave the American tour to apply with passports at their home consulate to then come to Britain.
“These changes fail to take account of the fact that music groups are always travelling and work at short notice. I envisage a lot of cancelled tours and disappointed fans.”
Each member of the notorious G-Unit rap group or P. Diddy’s official jewellery handler would have to make an accurate application. Mr Richard said that American R&B and rock performers were particularly vulnerable to failed applications because they were “not the most disciplined” when it came to paperwork, and consulates, unused to dealing with the permits, might stall on processing applications.
The new points-based work-permit system would have five tiers, replacing the 50 ways in which people can now come to Britain to work and study. The categories range from entrepreneur (allowed to settle) to youth exchanges (no permission to stay). But there is no category for entertainers, despite 20 per cent of the 165,000 work permits issued last year going to performing groups.
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The Home Office has consulted employers over the proposals, which are due to be confirmed next month. But it said it ready to talk to members of the entertainment industry. “The Government wants to introduce a simpler, clearer, selective scheme for immigration which will benefit our economy,” a spokesman said.
The changes reflect a tightening of the US visa system after the September 11 attacks, making it harder for British bands to gain permits to tour America. Some in the British music world welcome obstacles to US stars coming here, believing this will benefit home-grown performers. But the British Phonographic Industry rejects a “trade war” and is urging the Government to recognise entertainers’ unique position.
FIVE WAYS TO GAIN ENTRY
THE CATEGORIES
Tier 1
Investor, entrepreneur, highly skilled worker
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Tier 2
Skilled worker in area with a skills shortage; skilled worker with job offer — eg: a Mexican footballer signing for Arsenal, intra-company transfers
Tier 3
Low-skilled worker — waiter, agricultural worker, food production
Tier 4
Student
Tier 5
Working visitor such as Commonwealth Working Holidaymakers, Youth Exchanges