A TALENTED musician who fled the violence in Syria has been blocked from performing in Oxford.

Ibrahim Keivo was set to star at the international Oxford Chamber Music Festival later this month.

But his application for a five day working visa has been rejected by the Home Office because there is no evidence 'his job could not have been filled by someone already resident in the UK.'

Mr Keivo, who plays the oud - a Middle Eastern stringed instrument - and sings was invited to take part in concerts and be part of the festival's work with children and young people.

He lives and works in Germany, where he has been granted asylum, and has toured Europe's most famous classical music venues alongside other musicians.

Priya Mitchell, the artistic director of the festival said that she could not understand why the application was refused.

She said: "We did everything to the letter, it was a huge undertaking to just fill out all the paperwork and we paid hundreds of euros to do everything correctly.

"I have been inviting musicians from all over the world to play at the festival for years and I have never had anything like this.

"I have worked with Ibrahim before and he is a exceptional musician and a lovely person.

"His singing and oud playing is really wonderful.

"The oud is not an instrument that is played in the UK so for the Home Office to say his job could be done by an British person is unbelievable really."

Nearly 500 people have signed a petition calling for the Home Office to u-turn and grant the visa before the festival begins on September 27. Mr Keivo was due to play at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Oxford author Philip Pullman, a friend of the festival, called the decision 'a disgrace'.

Speaking through a translator, Mr Keivo said: "It would have been an honour for me to perform some of the oldest songs of Syrian folklore for the audience in the UK.

"I was devastated that I wasn’t granted a visa.

"It’s the first time that I wasn’t granted a visa and I’ve been touring throughout Europe since 2002 and was again and again invited to countless concerts and festivals.

"I have no intentions to stay in Britain.

"All I want is to present my music in this beautiful country."

The Home Office says it does not comment on individual circumstances but a spokesman said: “All visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules.

“When individuals are applying for tier 5 temporary worker visas, their sponsors must demonstrate that the role could not have been filled by someone already resident in the UK.

"Where no evidence is provided – such as written support from an appropriate industry body – the application will be refused.”

The festival starts on September 27 and runs until October 1.