Hundreds of thousands in UK fail to access eVisas for residency proof
- Nearly one million visa holders are struggling with IT issues preventing their access to eVisas.
- Human rights campaigners warn of potential consequences reminiscent of the Windrush scandal.
- The Home Office faces mounting pressure to resolve the ongoing access issues before the digital transition deadline.
The Home Office in the United Kingdom has faced significant challenges with its transition to a fully digital visa system, a move intended to enhance security and efficiency within the country’s immigration processes. As of now, nearly one million visa holders remain with expired paper documents due to IT problems that have hindered their ability to switch to the new eVisa format. The digital migration was slated for the end of December, coinciding with the expiration of physical documentation required for many foreign nationals to demonstrate their legal right to live and work in the UK. This transition affects over four million people who were expected to adapt to the digital system, designed to allow them easier access and verification of their immigration status.