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UK’s transition to eVisas leaves Indian immigrants in a bind
Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, informed the Home Affairs Committee on Dec. 17 that out of the approximately four million immigrants with BRPs, over three million have already registered for UKVI accounts.
London / Image- Unsplash
The United Kingdom’s move to phase out Biometric Residency Permits (BRPs) replacing them with digital eVisas, has left nearly one million immigrants, including a significant number from India, grappling with technological and logistical challenges.
The BRP, a physical card serving as the primary proof of residency for visa holders, will no longer be valid from Dec 31, 2024. Instead, visa holders must create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) platform to apply for eVisas, a process fraught with complications for many.
Yvette Cooper, the UK Home Secretary, informed the Home Affairs Committee on Dec. 17 that out of the approximately four million immigrants with BRPs, over three million have already registered for UKVI accounts. However, nearly one million are yet to make the switch.
Some immigrants have expressed frustration over the reliance on technology to complete the transition. The eVisa system requires the use of Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled smartphones for authentication, a challenge for those without access to such devices.
Additionally, there is widespread confusion among recent BRP holders, many of whom mistakenly believe their cards remain valid due to longer expiry dates.
Seema Malhotra, Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship, acknowledged the issues and announced temporary measures to ease the transition. “In order to smooth the transition to eVisas, we have decided to allow carriers to accept a BRP or EUSS BRC expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid evidence of permission to travel until at least 31 March 2025. This date will be kept under review,” Malhotra said in a statement.
The BRP, resembling a driver’s license, has been a crucial document for immigrants, containing details such as visa tenure and expiry. For many Indian immigrants, it has served as the sole proof of identity during immigration checks. However, with the shift to eVisas, concerns are mounting over potential disruptions in accessing essential services and verifying legal residency status.
A report by The Guardian highlighted the uncertainty faced by immigrants unable to complete the transition. Some fear losing access to healthcare, housing, or other critical services without an active eVisa.
Advocacy groups, such as the Migrant Rights Network, have criticized the government’s handling of the transition, calling for clearer communication and additional support for affected individuals.
While the March 31 extension provides temporary relief, many are calling for a more inclusive approach to ensure that no one is left behind in the shift to digital residency documentation.
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