UK and EU visa rejection rates for African and Asian artists are 'unfair' and limit cultural diversity

A report from The Guardian has found that African and Asian touring artists face “humiliating and costly” rejection rates when applying for visas to perform in the UK and EU.

The report cites analysis by the migration research group LAGO collective, which following a price hike in early 2023 of 15% for work and tourist visas, revealed the inequality in rejection levels by country, with African visitors facing disproportional rejection rates of as high as 70%.

Algerians faced the highest visa rejection rate at 71% followed by visitors from Bangladesh who faced rejection rates of 53%, with applicants from Ghana, Nigeria and Pakistan falling between 30 and 46%, compared to the average rejection rate which was 21% across all nationalities.

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The report also highlights how unsuccessful applicants still have to pay, as the visa fees are non-refundable, which disproportionately affects visitors from low and middle income countries. Last year the UK raised £44 million in fees for visa applications that were subsequently rejected, with the EU raising €130 million.

A number of music industry professionals have hit out, saying that the unfair fees have a “chilling impact on cultural diversity”, with Ghanaian-Scottish author Lesley Lokko calling the non-refundable fees “outrageous”.

British poet Lemn Sissay said the process and the disproportionate rejection levels are, "delegitimising or shaming people of colour,” continuing, “The idea is that you are not welcome.” Kenyan DJ Coco Em has highlighted the double standards of the measures, saying, "DJs from the UK can come to Kenya, but the UK visa system is really restricting our voices".

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Despite the UK priding itself on its vibrant and diverse music scene, the convoluted and humiliating visa application process has led to many artists consider stopping touring altogether, with the report highlighting a number of musicians who have been booked to play and subsequently denied the right to entry. Many musicians have been dissuaded to return and try again despite being booked, and such barriers could irreversibly damage the UK’s musical landscape.

To read the full report click here.

[Via: The Guardian]

Jamaal Johnson is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Instagram