After the Afghan Youth Orchestra had been denied visas to perform in Britain, the Home Office overturned its decision, allowing the group to perform.

In a statement, the Home Office said, “Musicians and performers are a valued and important part of UK culture. Applications have to be considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules, with the responsibility on applicants to demonstrate they meet these rules.”

The group is made up of 47 Afghan citizens ages 14 to 22 who fled Afghanistan after the return of the Taliban. They have since lived and studied in Portugal, where they were granted asylum in December 2021. The British tour is set to include stops in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.

The orchestra has toured in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Tajikistan in recent months and is also due to play at New York’s Carnegie Hall this summer.