Promoters of reggae and dancehall shows in the UK are warning that a new immigration policy could make it harder for dancehall and reggae artistes to get to the UK for shows.

"It ah get harder and harder fi get approval for dancehall and reggae artistes as the authorities move to cut down, even foreign students ah go get affected who want to study here in the UK, and some of the new rules will be applied against artistes," one promoter told
one876entertainment.com. "The system changed last year and now it ah go get tighter again."

Several shows by reggae artistes such as Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Mavado and Bounty Killer have been cancelled in the last few years as a result of either security concerns or successful protests by the gay lobby who argue that reggae artistes incite violence against gays through their lyrics. There are also pressing concerns among UK residents about the number of immigrants in the country and a growing terror threat so Jamaican artistes could be penalized by these new political moves. One876 confirmed that the number of foreign students given visas in the UK is to be slashed as part of a crackdown on abuses of the system. Home Secretary Alan Johnson is bringing in tougher rules including demanding that applicants be able to speak passable English and banning those enrolling for short courses from bringing dependants.

Fewer visas are expected to be granted as a result of the measures - although the Home Office refused to give any estimate.

The "points-based" system was introduced over 18 months ago, requiring students to secure 40 points to come to the UK. Applicants are given 30 for holding a course offer from a college or university, and 10 for proving they can pay the fees and support themselves while in the country. Inside sources say this points-based system will also be used to penalize local artistes wanting to travel  to the UK.

This immigration clampdown is a direct result of recent criticism that the previous arrangements for immigrants have allowed terrorist suspects and other would-be immigrants to gain entry into Britain, and simply stay on despite their visas being temporary.