UK immigration laws have been the subject of discussion yet again, this time the news regards the refusal of entry for an up and coming artist whom was scheduled to attend an exhibition in Brighton.

John Grider, also known as Broken Crow, was refused entry to Britain when he arrived in the UK to exhibit some of his popular street art pieces, but failed to show a valid UK work permit.

The artist whom is known for his large and colourful depictions of animals on the sides of buildings was subsequently refused entry and detained at Heathrow airport. This was due to the visa which he was in possession of being the wrong type.

Speaking of the entry refusal a spokesperson for the UK Home Office said “All applications for entry are considered on their merits and in accordance with the immigration rules. Where an application does not meet the requirements of these rules it will be refused.”

The artist had previously travelled to the UK for similar exhibitions and had not had any problems, however changes in the UK immigration laws have meant his existing visa for travel was no longer valid and instead he required a UK work permit.

The Director of Ink_d studio in Brighton, where the artist is due to present his work said: “John has been travelling around the world to take part in and attend exhibitions but never had a problem until now. But I understand the British immigration service has changed the laws on visa applications, which has affected artists in particular.”