As the UK government prepares to transition to eVisas by the end of the year, many long-term residents are expressing concern that they could be “locked out” of the country. The shift to digital visas will replace physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs), raising alarm due to potential system flaws and complications in the rollout.
These physical documents currently serve as proof of residents’ rights to live, work, rent, and access services in the UK. However, critics of the eVisa system argue that the design and implementation of the digital visas are problematic, leaving many worried that their residency status could be jeopardized.
Legacy Document Holders at Risk
Particular concern has been raised for the 200,000 individuals in the UK who hold legacy documents proving their right to reside. Many of these residents, often older individuals, may not be aware they need to apply for an eVisa until they try to access public services like healthcare. Critics have drawn comparisons to the Windrush scandal, which saw long-term UK residents facing immigration challenges due to documentation issues.
Those with legacy documentation must first apply for a BRP before setting up a UK Visas and Immigration account, a process that has raised fears of bureaucratic difficulties for those unfamiliar with the new system.
Personal Impact: A 50-Year Resident’s Struggle
One such case is Kathleen Harper, a 78-year-old American actress who has lived in the UK since 1974 under indefinite leave to remain. For half a century, her residency was documented by a stamp in her passport, but she was never informed of the need to switch to an eVisa. Harper only learned about the scheme through a friend in the United States.
Despite her long-standing residency, Harper has been asked to provide proof that she has lived in the UK for each of the 50 years she has resided in the country, leaving her unsure of what documentation the Home Office requires. “I’ve had two strokes, and the whole process is causing me immense stress,” she explained. Harper has a family holiday to Sri Lanka planned for January and fears that without her eVisa, she may not be allowed back into the UK after the trip.
Widespread Concerns Among UK Residents
Harper’s case is not unique. Many UK residents, particularly those with non-British spouses, share similar anxieties. One British man expressed concerns about his foreign-born wife’s ability to return to the UK after travelling. “Her eVisa doesn’t even include a passport number. I’m not sure how an airline will accept this as proof of her immigration status,” he said, worried about how easily the document could be falsified.
Calls for Government Action
Advocacy groups have also raised alarms over the eVisa transition. Sara Alsherif, Programme Manager for Migrant Digital Justice at the Open Rights Group, criticized the system’s flaws and the anxiety it is causing among migrants. “We are facing a crisis point,” she said, warning that travel disruptions could leave many stranded abroad after the holidays. “The government must act quickly to prevent another Windrush-type disaster.”
Monique Hawkins, Policy and Research Officer at The3million, highlighted the practical impact of eVisa errors, noting that some residents have already lost job offers or housing due to system glitches. “Even those with confirmed immigration status are finding it impossible to prove their rights,” she said.
Government Reassurances
Despite the concerns, the UK government is urging all residents with physical immigration documents to act swiftly and switch to eVisas. Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, assured the public that the transition would not impact residents’ rights. “An eVisa can’t be lost or stolen and allows residents to securely prove their immigration status,” she stated, emphasizing the availability of free advice and support for those needing assistance.
However, for many like Kathleen Harper, the eVisa transition feels like an unsettling demand to prove their right to belong in the country they’ve called home for decades. “I thought I belonged here, but now it feels like I have to start all over again,” Harper remarked, echoing the fears of many in similar situations.