The government has asked key live music types for input on draft proposals regarding visa issues relating to foreign artists touring in the UK. As previously reported, the live sector had feared that new rules covering temporary workers coming into the UK would make the admin involved in getting artists into the country tedious, time consuming and costly. Among other things it was proposed that artists would have to have biometric checks before entering the country. However, the new UK Border Agency recently announced a rethink which is expected to make the new rules much less challenging to promoters, artists and managers.
The government is now inviting those involved in the live sector to input on the latest proposals. Paul Fenn of London based Asgard Promotions and the Arts & Entertainment Task Force, who have been lobbying hard on this issue, told Music Week the Home Office was asking for comments, and that, while he was still working his way through the latest proposals, he doesn't see any major problems for those booking non-EU artists on UK tours.