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VISA AND MOBILITY ISSUES Articles and news stories about problems with musicians' mobility and ability to tour, caused by visa restrictions and other travel regulations. The most recent stories are shown first: Freemuse campaign: Visa issues damage the music industry European countries need to make visa and work permit procedures and the general access to the European market for artists more flexible, transparent and homogenous 04 May 2011 Protest petition: African artist's tour cancelled due to blocked visas A petition 'against EU visa discrimination of musicians’ was started after the European tour of Zimbabwean Mokoomba was forced to be cancelled 17 June 2009 UK: New visa rules threaten dozens of concerts and festivals A report reveals that more than 20 major arts events have been cancelled or badly affected by new UK visa regulations 17 June 2009 UK: Visa system forces Russian ballet company to cancel shows A Russian ballet company has been forced to cancel its 2009 programme after failing to obtain UK visas for its dancers in time 17 June 2009 Visa report highlighted but serious problems remain While visa issues continue to create controversy, the Freemuse white paper ‘Visa / the discordant note’ plays an essential role in various international fora 17 June 2009 Sweden: Minister of Migration welcomes visa white paper “The ‘white paper’ points its fingers at very essential problems,” said Tobias Billström, the Swedish Minister of Migration, in a live radio programme 21 January 2009 White paper launched at Womex: 'Visa issues – the discordant note' White paper on visa issues launched at an international music trade fair: 'European countries need to make visa procedures more flexible, transparent and homogenous' 31 October 2008 Israel / Palestine: Orchestra prevented from entering Gaza An international orchestra was refused to perform in Gaza after its sole Palestinian member was prevented from entering the Gaza Strip 17 December 2007 Freemuse campaign: Visa issues kill music In collaboration with international artists organisations Freemuse launches an investigation of visa and work permit procedures in order to influence policy makers 26 November 2007 UK: "Cultural censorship" threatens artistic endeavours Stringent immigration regulations have led to several foreign artists being denied entry into the UK, making it increasingly difficult to organise musical events featuring foreign artists 16 August 2006 Canada: American rappers barred from Canada “Canada attempts to place US rappers in the same category as terrorists – literally,” said American rapper Jerome Almon, CEO of Murdercap Records. 24 May 2006 USA: 'Fortress America' denies access to musicians Cellist Yo-Yo Ma leads an impassioned campaign to ease the visa crisis for musicians visiting the ‘Land of the Free’. 15 May 2006 Zimbabwean gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano denied UK visa A London-based Zimbabwe news website quoted a British Embassy official as citing fear that she might not return to Zimbabwe after her tour as a reason for refusing her a visa 02 November 2004 New US study on cultural exchanges since September 11 U.S Homeland Security and State departments are encouraged to "work together to improve the current visa situation…so it is less of a barrier for foreign visitors, artists, and scholars, and for the presenters who invite them" 10 September 2004 Threatening borders Visa problems: Fortresses that Western authorities build around their riches dissuadés more and more musicians from risking discomfort and humiliation at the borders 09 June 2004 Songs of Cuba, silenced in America "We may think we are isolating Cuba with our embargo and our travel restrictions, but it is we Americans who are becoming isolated," said singer-songwriter Jackson Browne on the US - Cuba visa conflict 22 March 2004 Thomas Mapfumo denied visa The US based singer was denied entry into Canada on his last tour 10 December 2003 Post September 11- Freemuse conference Listen to the Freemuse organized panel discussion from WOMEX 2003 on how September 11 has affected freedom of musical expression. Visa problems, threats, disrupted tours, changed play-lists, nationalistic concerts and withdrawal of covers are just a few results 30 November 2003