Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether their new right to work checks will apply to (1) artists, (2) bands, and (3) theatre troupes, undertaking short UK tours without visas; and, if so, what plans they have to waive the checks for these groups.

The changes to the Right to Work Scheme from 1 October extend checks beyond traditional employment to specified non-standard working arrangements. They do not alter the Immigration Rules governing visitors.

Professional artists, entertainers and musicians, including members of bands and theatre troupes, who enter the UK without a visa and undertake activities permitted under the Standard Visitor route, including a permitted paid engagement where the relevant requirements are met will not be subject to a right to work check solely by virtue of those activities. Therefore, the Government does not consider there to be an operational conflict, and a waiver is neither necessary nor planned.

Where a working arrangement falls within scope of the Right to Work Scheme, the responsible organisation must carry out a right to work check as prescribed in legislation and published guidance.

The Government has engaged with affected sectors in developing the regulations, statutory codes of practice and guidance, and will continue to engage with businesses and representative bodies, including the live entertainment sector where relevant, to support clear and proportionate implementation and address practical concerns.

Representatives from the arts and entertainment sector, including organisations representing performers and creative professionals, responded to the public consultation on extending the Right to Work Scheme. The Home Office considered stakeholder feedback from across affected sectors when developing the final guidance and implementation approach.