The UK government is having big problems with its eVisa system, which is affecting around 4 million people living legally in Britain. These people are finding it hard to use the new electronic records of their immigration status, making it difficult to get benefits and prove they can work or rent a place. The eVisa system was first introduced in 2019 for European Union citizens after the Brexit vote. Now, it’s being rolled out for non-EU migrants and refugees as the system moves to being completely online.
However, many users are facing frustrating issues, like data errors and problems creating accounts. Andreea Dumitrache, a leader of a group called the3million that helps EU citizens, said the system isn’t working properly. “A person’s whole life is affected, especially for the vulnerable,” she said.
The UK’s online system is supposed to be more secure and efficient, but many people have faced problems, including accessing the correct documents. The transition to eVisas was originally set to be done by the end of 2024, but the new Labour government has pushed that deadline to June 1, 2025, due to ongoing issues.
People like Jorge Gomez, a refugee from Nicaragua, have struggled to link his travel document to his UKVI account. “It’s not easy or intuitive,” he said.
Rights groups worry that the shift to an online-only immigration status is happening too quickly without addressing issues that have existed since the system started. Many people, especially those in tough situations, are being left in the dark because there is no clear guidance on how to deal with problems.
The government hasn’t shared information about how this online system might affect data protection and equality, ignoring several requests for this information. Recently, the Home Secretary stated they would take their time on the eVisa rollout to avoid another scandal like Windrush—when many people were wrongfully deported because the government couldn’t keep track of their histories.
The current government claims to have learned from this scandal, but there’s no promise to help those who face losses because of eVisa issues. The group the3million has suggested having a physical backup document option, like a card or sticker, but the government has refused.
Jorge believes it’s essential to have a physical document to prove his status in case something happens to his phone or if he runs out of battery.
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