As the deadline for obtaining eVisas approaches, approximately 1 million individuals in the UK still need to secure their digital proof of residency. The eVisa programme, introduced by the previous government, is a digital system designed to confirm the right to live and work in the UK for residents who are not British citizens or passport holders.
During a recent session of the cross-party home affairs committee, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted that around 4 million people, who currently hold biometric residence permits (BRPs), need to transition to eVisas by 31 December. However, only about 3.1 million have completed the switch so far.
The rollout of the eVisa system has encountered several issues. Concerns have been raised about the potential for benefits to be wrongly terminated and whether eVisas will function correctly when individuals travel abroad and return to the UK. The government has extended a grace period until March for those using physical documentation to re-enter the UK.
To address these challenges, a resolution centre has been established, and the Home Office has created an eVisa error unit to assist with any problems that arise. On 4 December, Seema Malhotra, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, acknowledged that a portion of customers had not yet signed up for eVisas. She assured that efforts are ongoing to resolve issues, including instances where a customer’s status is not visible or is displayed incorrectly.
Nick Beales, head of campaigning for the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London, expressed serious concerns about the eVisa rollout. He warned that the Conservatives’ hostile environment policy could lead to people being wrongly classified as lacking status, resulting in the denial of basic rights and essential services.
A Home Office spokesperson emphasised the benefits of eVisas, noting that they cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, and allow visa holders to securely prove their immigration rights. Over 3.1 million people have already accessed their eVisas, with many more creating accounts daily. The government is providing extensive guidance and support to help BRP holders transition to the new system, which will continue to be available after the 31 December deadline.
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