Millions of UK visa holders are being urged to upgrade their immigration documents as the Home Office launches changes to border security.
The Government plans to replace physical biometric residence permits (BRP), which show proof of the right to live, work and claim benefits in Britain, with digital eVisas.
It is set to be introduced at the end of the year and the Home Office has earmarked £4million to support organisations to help vulnerable people who may struggle to obtain an eVisa without assistance.
A national advertising campaign will raise awareness of the scheme and encourage those affected to take action before many documents expire in December, the government said.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said: "Everyone with physical immigration documents is urged to take action now to switch to an eVisa, and I want to reassure those who need it that free advice and support is available."
However, campaigners have warned the changes could lead to a “digital Windrush scandal” and are urging the government to rethink the scheme before it comes into effect on January 1, 2025
Evisas were first tested and implemented during the EU Settlement Scheme, which was set up for EU citizens who were resident in the UK before Brexit, and their family members.
Digital rights campaign organisation Open Rights Group argues that the term e-Visa is “misleading” as people will not be issued with a digital visa that they can store on their phones, but they will have to register for an account that will allow them to generate a new online status each time it is required.
This means they are susceptible to “data errors, system crashes and the stability of Internet connections”, the group said.
There is particular concern about some 200,000 people who have legacy documents proving their immigration status and will first have to apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) and then for a UK visas and immigration account.
The Home Office insists the switch to an eVisa is simple and “offers greater customer convenience, significant cost savings and enhanced security for the UK’s border and immigration system”.
It argues it “cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights”.
Monique Hawkins, research and policy officer for the grassroots organisation of EU citizens in the UK the3million, said: “The government has inherited a completely unrealistic digitalisation programme which has already ruined the lives of many EU citizens in the UK.
“It will now put at risk the rights of four million more migrants, leaving people without reliable proof of their immigration status and at the hands of the hostile environment. We need the Home Secretary to safeguard against this catastrophic cliff-edge and start working with civil society to implement a better form of digital status which allows for physical backups.”
Sara Alsherif, programme manager for migrant digital justice at Open Rights Group, added: “The e-Visa scheme is yet another failed IT project that could have life-changing consequences for thousands of people in the UK.
“The Home Office has not learned lessons from previous mistakes nor listened to the concerns of migrants and the groups that represent them.
“With the deadline for e-Visa applications just months away, we urge the new Home Secretary to take urgent action in order to prevent a digital Windrush scandal next year.”
