Britain's Clown Shortage: Visa Rules Hit the Circus

[almaty 19]

Circus performers can twist themselves into pretzels and somersault through rings of fire, but even they are struggling to jump through new hoops set up by the U.K. immigration authorities. In November, the British Home Office introduced a points-based system to crack down on illegal immigration and create what its web site describes as "a significantly more straightforward and transparent structure." It's easy enough for foreign trapeze artists and acrobats to secure the requisite points for entry into Britain based on their unique skills. But ringmasters say that various problems with the new system - including faulty computer software and poorly trained embassy staff - are preventing international talent from reaching Britain's big tops.

"My season started in February," says Martin Lacey, owner of the Great British Circus, "and I've got comedy acrobats stranded in the Ukraine, and Mongolian horse riders who were refused their visas in Ulan Batur." The holes in his lineup have forced Lacey to draft last-minute substitutes. "Our Mexican clown is stuck in Mexico, so we've got a trapeze artist pretending to be a stooge just to get everybody out of trouble," he says. "It's a mess."

hmmm..seems like he thinks Messikans are stooges too

[JODO 2]

Sounds like the Brits aren't clowning around.

[almaty 19]

i thought britian was full of bozos

[mkg265 2]

Oh noes!!! The children of Britain are circus-less!

I guess the government is just feeding the masses with bread and reality shows.

[JODO 2]

Isn't there a place in London called Circus Maximus? Or am I confusing that with Rome?

Or maybe it is Piccadilly Circus?

Edited March 6, 2009 by JODO

[almaty 19]

i see from another article..that this may be an issue with the Visa process...On the wall of the Immigration Dept...

[JODO 2]

i see from another article..that this may be an issue with the Visa process...On the wall of the Immigration Dept...

ha if only!

[almaty 19]

also, looking for a marriage visa

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

[Peikko 1,575]

Clowns are evil, they have been rousted. Britain is a clown free zone, yipee!

[almaty 19]

Clowns are evil, they have been rousted. Britain is a clown free zone, yipee!

don't make them angry sister purple...

[mkg265 2]

also, looking for a marriage visa

Nancy Drew and the case of the sexually Harassing Clown.

[almaty 19]

nope..susie creamcheese..and the horney honker

"his private area is larger than his feet'..read it in 4tg grade

[Peikko 1,575]

Clowns are evil, they have been rousted. Britain is a clown free zone, yipee!

don't make them angry sister purple...

True, I'm not safely tucked in the UK now, run away...run away...

[Dr. Obvious 49]

also, looking for a marriage visa