Research commissioned by London mayor Boris Johnson has found that 82 per cent of arts organisations have seen an increase in bureaucracy due to the points-based visa system.

Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of participants saw costs increase, while 63 per cent reported a drop in revenue due to cancellations or alterations to events due to artists not gaining visas. Visa requirements for non EU-artists and academics wishing to enter the UK were altered in November 2008, which demanded biometric data as part of applications.

Johnson said: "The entrepreneurial energy, innovation and boldness in London's cultural sector and creative industries, whether it is designer fashion, performing arts, literature or digital media, has largely stemmed from the coming together of peoples and ideas from across the world. "With competition from cities like Berlin, Shanghai or Mumbai, we must not jeopardise London's position as a world creative hub."