Let’s talk about freelancing in the UK as an EU national. If you’re like me, working with brands and agencies on a freelance basis, you must hold a UK Global Talent Visa. Fortunately, this work permit is indefinite. But getting it was no easy feat.
I spent the best part of 2018-2020 travelling between the UK and Europe pretty much on a monthly basis. Film shoots, brand projects, lots of fun gigs! But my permanent move to London didn’t happen until 2021 when Brexit was already in full force.
In order to obtain GTV you must meet a specific set of requirements to demonstrate that your talent is "exceptional" in your chosen field of work, which in my case was Film and TV. Global distribution deals, a minimum of two awards, three pieces of international media coverage featuring your work, name and FACE. On top of that, three recommendations from established industry professionals. That’s a lot!
While all this is certainly proof of someone’s achievements, it’s also quite an arbitrary list, don’t you think? I’m reminded every day of how incredibly fortunate I was to meet these requirements. However, it breaks my heart to hear from so many talented individuals who are being denied the right to work simply because they have, say, two publications on their name instead of three. It’s not my intention to criticise the system per se, but to simply highlight how we are actively losing out on new talent from the EU.
It’s hard to accept that this was the intention behind leaving the common market. Especially seeing as visa sponsorship is not always a priority (or cost-wise, even a possibility) for many SMEs hiring new talent. And so the doors remain shut. I’d be keen to hear from industry insiders in the UK whether or not you think these restrictions are having an impact on your business, three years on?
(Photo below is taken in the stunning bohemian film studio in Woolwich Dockyards. Hoping to share the outcome of that shoot very soon!)
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