UK Emigration Starts Delcine in Performing Arts

In Britain, Circuses are having a hard time finding new performers. Tightrope walkers, as well as flying trapeze artists, are in short supply. This is due, in part, to the new point based emigration system the UK has started. This point based system makes it harder for people to get short-term visas to work in the UK.

One such circus that is being affected is the Chinese State Circus, which has tour dates that last for two years at a time in the UK. However, due to the new emigration system, the visas these performers need are only valid for a year at a time now. The Covent Garden is having problems with the new point based system too. They may lose £250,000 a night for having to cancel night productions, because they no longer can bring in last second international replacement singers due of the biometric visa requirements. This was a concern that Ruth Jarratt, the policy development director for the Covent Garden, had voiced concerns about.

Some companies, like the Royal Ballet, have had a little bit more luck with the new emigration system. This is due mostly to the fact that ballet dancers are declared as a "shortage occupation" under this new system. The National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) is lobbying for this category to also include some orchestral musicians, as well as some contemporary dancers.

The need for these international performers is in great demand. Mostly because British children have no interest in learning these skills, which other children like in China and eastern Europe.