Lord Cashman
Main Page: Lord Cashman (Non-affiliated - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Cashman's debates with the Department for International Development
(5 years, 2 months ago)
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Baroness Williams of Trafford
I outlined the visa acceptance grant rates, which are extremely high— 98% for tier 2—and the speed at which they are granted. I think 97% are now granted within the 15-week service standard.
Lord Cashman (Non-Afl)
My Lords, the noble Earl raises a very serious issue with his Question. Across the creative industries and the talent unions, there is concern about being able to forward plan programmes and artistic festivals. Will the Minister consult with talent unions and the creative industries to ensure a degree of certainty in these visa applications?
Baroness Williams of Trafford
I thank the noble Lord for that. I misspoke in my previous answer: I said “15 weeks” when I meant 15 days. The whole point of a visa system is not to deter people or keep them out but to encourage the creative industries from around the world, while keeping our borders under control.