1 Million UK Residents Yet to Switch to eVisas Ahead of Year-End Deadline

Starting January 1, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be valid to prove the right to live and work in the UK. This digital shift, part of the government’s eVisa programme, aims to modernize residency verification but has faced numerous challenges.

What is the E-Visa Program?

The UK eVisa program, a digital system to verify residency rights, was introduced by the previous government. It applies to all non-citizens and non-British passport holders residing in the UK.

The eVisa programme replaces physical documentation with a fully digital system, making the UK the first known country to entirely discontinue physical entry visas and residence permits.

While the official deadline for registration is December 31, the Home Office has announced a grace period until March 2025 for travellers using BRPs to re-enter the UK.

1 Million Yet to Apply for eVisas

Out of the estimated 4 million BRP holders required to switch to eVisas, only 3.1 million have successfully completed the process, according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. This leaves around 1 million individuals unregistered as the deadline rapidly approaches.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra acknowledged ongoing issues with the rollout, including cases where customers’ eVisa statuses are incorrectly displayed. She emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving these issues promptly.

Concerns and Challenges

The eVisa system has faced criticism over implementation hurdles, including:

• Travel Complications: Concerns about eVisa functionality during international travel.
• Benefit Disruptions: Reports of benefits being wrongly terminated due to status visibility errors.
• Public Awareness: Limited awareness among affected residents about the transition process.

A resolution centre and an eVisa error unit have been established to assist applicants with technical issues. Additionally, late applications will be accepted for those who miss the December deadline.

Government Response

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges, the government has taken several steps:

• Grace Period Extension: A grace period has been extended until March 2024 for individuals using physical residence permits to return to the UK after travelling abroad.
• Resolution Center: A dedicated resolution centre has been established to address eVisa-related problems.
• Late Applications: The government has announced that late applications for eVisas will be permitted beyond the December 31st deadline.

Steps for Affected Residents

To ensure a smooth transition, eligible individuals should:

1. Register Online: Visit the official Home Office eVisa portal to apply.
2. Verify Status: Double-check eVisa details once issued to avoid discrepancies.
3. Seek Assistance: Contact the resolution centre for technical or application issues.

Looking Ahead

As the UK embraces digital residency verification, the government faces mounting pressure to address ongoing issues. The transition to eVisas marks a significant shift in immigration policy, but for many, the road to compliance remains fraught with challenges.