Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment the Government has made of the effect on (a) culture and (b) the economy of requiring Tier 5 temporary worker visas for artists.

The Government has been clear we are ending free movement, and we have introduced an Immigration Bill to bring in a firm and fair points-based system. EEA artists, entertainers and musicians wishing to come to the UK after the end of the transition period for longer-term work will need to do so under the points-based system, which will continue to include special arrangements for creative workers.

There are several existing provisions for visiting artists, entertainers and musicians – they 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 if they are not receiving payment. Visiting artists, entertainers and musicians can also receive payment for appearance at permit free festivals for up to 6 months, or for up to one month for a specific engagement, under the Visitor route. We expect to treat EU citizens as non-visa nationals meaning they can come to the UK as visitors without the need to obtain a visa.

More detailed analysis on the impact of the points-based system will be published shortly.