Fast-track visas for Oscar, Grammy winners
Oscar, Grammy and Nobel Prizewinners will be among those able to get visas to live and work in the United Kingdom more easily under pointbased immigration reforms.
The Home Office has announced its decision to “fast-track” the process for those winning coveted arts awards.
It is part of the government’s bid to attract the “best and brightest” from around the world.
International stars who have won Bafta, Brit, Mobo, Tony or Golden Globe awards will also be eligible.
Previously, the visa application process, known as the Global Talent route, meant artists and producers had to receive an endorsement from one of six bodies. But from Wednesday, new post-Brexit rules allow people who hold a qualifying prize to make a simpler single visa application.
So much to offer the UK
Stars eligible for a fast track UK visa now include the winners of best international male or female at the Brit Awards, best international act at the Mobos or the lifetime achievement award at the Grammys.
The best film actress, actor or director at the Baftas would also qualify, as well as anyone collecting the Nobel Prize for literature, some sciences and medicine, and/or the Turing Award.
Professionals who have been rewarded for their expertise in fields such as sciences, engineering and technology, as well as dance, theatre, architecture and fashion will also be eligible. The list of qualifying awards will be kept under review.
British Home secretary Priti Patel said recipients of such accolades had “reached the pinnacle of their career” and as such “have so much to offer the UK”.
“These important changes will give them the freedom to come and work in our world leading arts, sciences, music, and film industries as we build back better,” she added.