Organisers of the Edinburgh International Book Festival today confirmed that Palestinian writer Nayrouz Qarmout has been granted a visa to enter the UK. She will be attending the 2018 Festival in Charlotte Square Gardens although will not arrive in time for her scheduled appearance on Wednesday 15 August; a new event is being planned for her later in the Festival.
Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said
We are thrilled that Nayrouz has finally, after four attempts, overcome all the challenges of the UK visa system and will be joining us in Edinburgh next week. While she will not be appearing with Leila Aboulela tomorrow, we are hoping that she will be here in time to speak on Thursday 23rd August when we will create an event especially for her.
Nayrouz was one of a dozen writers from the Middle East and Africa invited to the Book Festival this year who have experienced problems obtaining a visa to enter the UK. All the visas have now been granted except one, Iranian children’s illustrator Ehsan Abdollahi, who is still awaiting confirmation.
Aberdeen based Leila Aboulela is one of 50 authors commissioned by the Book Festival to write a Freedom Paper, which she will read in her event tomorrow morning. Full details of the new Nayrouz Qarmout event will be announced later this week.
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