By Oluwaseyi Adediran
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The United Kingdom government’s initiative to digitize its border and immigration system has reached a significant milestone, with over 3.1 million individuals registering for electronic visas (e-Visas). This shift from physical immigration documents to digital status proofs is designed to simplify border processes, making immigration status easier to verify and more secure.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the Home Office released data showing the progress made in the transition to e-Visas. The UKVI urged individuals who have not switched to an eVisa to do so before the end of the year, highlighting the benefits of improved security and convenience.
The digital document is part of the UK government’s larger push for digital transformation, aiming to create a more secure and efficient immigration system. With biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) set to expire on December 31, 2024, the shift to e-Visas is crucial for individuals to maintain their immigration status.
To facilitate a smooth transition, airlines and other carriers will accept expired BRPs and BRCs as evidence of permission to travel to the UK until March 31, 2025. However, passengers will still need to pass standard immigration checks, and those whose immigration status has expired will not be allowed entry.
The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, expressed support for the digital shift, stating that it is encouraging to see over 3.1 million people accessing their e-Visas and utilizing the convenience and security it brings. Malhotra assured that the government is committed to making the switch to e-Visas as easy as possible, responding to feedback from visa holders and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
The Home Office has made changes to address concerns raised by users, including improving the process for those with legacy paper documents and expanding support services. The automatic verification of travel permissions by carriers like airlines aims to simplify the process for travelers.
Parents or guardians of children who still use BRPs must switch their child’s documents to an eVisa before the deadline. Individuals with indefinite leave to remain, who still rely on an ink stamp or vignette in their passport, are recommended to apply for a No Time Limit (NTL) application to access an eVisa. This process remains free and simple to complete, providing more secure and accessible proof of immigration status.
The UK government’s digital shift is a significant step towards creating a more efficient and secure immigration system. With over 3.1 million individuals already registered for e-Visas, the government is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for all individuals.
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