The Afghan Youth Orchestra (AYO) will probably be allowed to carry out within the UK after the House Workplace was pressured to U-turn on its determination to disclaim the group entry visas.
The AYO was because of carry out on the Southbank Centre in London on Thursday as a part of its Breaking the Silence tour earlier than performing in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, and had expressed its “profound disappointment” over the visa refusal.
The group – an ensemble of the Afghanistan Nationwide Institute of Music (ANIM) – had known as on the federal government division to rethink its determination in an announcement on ANIM’s web site.
“The visa refusal not solely dealt a big blow to the younger musicians’ aspirations but in addition disadvantaged these younger musicians a chance to lift consciousness via music concerning the gender apartheid towards Afghan ladies and denial of cultural rights of the Afghan individuals by the Taliban,” the assertion learn.
Pic: PA
The group fled Afghanistan after the Taliban regained management of the nation.
Its musicians have lived and studied in Portugal, the place they have been granted asylum, since December 2021, and the orchestra has toured in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Tajikistan in latest months.
Diana Johnson, chair of the House Affairs Choose Committee, celebrated the “good news” in a publish on X.
It’s understood the Southbank Centre efficiency will probably be rearranged, with related organisations a potential date subsequent week.
It’s understood the House Workplace is working with organisers to make sure the suitable consent is obtained for the minors to journey.
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A House Workplace spokesperson mentioned: “Musicians and performers are a valued and necessary a part of UK tradition.
“Purposes must be thought of on their particular person deserves in accordance with the immigration guidelines with the duty on candidates to reveal they meet these guidelines.”
 had expressed its "profound disappointment" over the Home Office's refusal to grant the group visas and had urged the government department to reconsider its decision.){kind=link}