With the UK Home Office’s June 1 deadline for transitioning to digital eVisa rapidly approaching, up to 700,000 migrants may be at risk of losing their legal status due to registration delays and ongoing technical issues with the new system.
The eVisa initiative aims to replace physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), with a fully digital system accessible through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online portal. This digital proof is intended to confirm individuals’ rights to live, work, and access services in the UK. However, as of the end of 2024, only 3.2 million out of an estimated 4 million eligible individuals had successfully registered. An additional 100,000 accounts were created in January, but the Home Office acknowledges that approximately 100,000 visas, primarily held by students, expired earlier this year. It’s unclear whether these individuals have left the country or are in the process of applying for alternative visas, leaving potentially up to 700,000 people unregistered by the impending deadline.
The rollout has been marred by significant technical difficulties, including major IT failures in March and May, which disrupted users’ ability to update or submit information. These malfunctions have led to serious consequences, such as denied boarding at airports, job losses, and homelessness. Some individuals have reported being unable to access their eVisa accounts, resulting in delays and complications in proving their legal status.
Advocacy groups and legal experts have expressed concern over the system’s reliability and have called for a physical backup method to protect individuals’ rights. The Home Office has extended the registration deadline multiple times but continues to face legal challenges and mounting pressure to resolve the issues and provide alternative proof of immigration status.
Critics warn that the current situation could lead to a crisis reminiscent of the Windrush scandal, where individuals were wrongly detained or deported due to lack of proper documentation. They argue that the digital-only approach fails to account for those who may struggle with technology, including older residents and those with limited English proficiency.
The Home Office maintains that the eVisa system enhances security and convenience, allowing individuals to prove their status online. However, with the deadline looming and significant numbers still unregistered, there is growing concern over the potential for widespread disruption and hardship among migrant communities in the UK.
