UK’s eVisa Rollout Faces Challenges, Risking Rights
Unresolved Issues from Years Ago
The UK is still grappling with unresolved issues in its eVisa system, which endangers the rights of around 4 million legal residents, rights groups claim.
Many individuals have reported problems accessing their new electronic immigration records, making it hard to apply for welfare payments and prove their right to work or rent property.
Electronic Records and eVisas
Electronic records of immigration status were introduced in 2019 for EU citizens seeking settlement in Britain after Brexit. Now, eVisas are being rolled out for non-EU migrants and refugees as part of a shift to an online-only system for verifying one’s status.
However, data mix-ups, account creation issues, and system outages have affected the scheme.
System Failures and Vulnerable Individuals
Andreea Dumitrache, head of the3million, a grassroots group for EU citizens supporting those transitioning to eVisas, warned the government about the flawed implementation. She emphasized that the system’s failures significantly impact vulnerable individuals, potentially leaving them homeless.
Extended Deadline and Glitches
Online-only System
The government maintains that the online-only system, which it describes as “tried and tested,” will enhance the immigration system’s security and efficiency. However, in March, some people found the wrong identity documents attached to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
The switch to eVisas was initially set to be completed by the end of 2024, but the Labour government extended the deadline to March 31, citing risk management issues by the previous Conservative administration. The deadline has since been pushed to June 1.
Challenges in Transitioning to eVisas
Jorge Gomez, a journalist granted asylum in 2022, switched to an eVisa last November but struggled to link his travel document to his UKVI account. He expressed that, despite being young and tech-savvy, the process was overwhelming and not intuitive.
Potential for Another Windrush Scandal
Rushed Transition and Technical Glitches
Rights groups argue that the final transition period to online immigration status has been rushed and poorly planned, with no major changes made to the system despite recurring technical glitches. They also claim that the government did not account for the variety of immigration needs.
Some individuals, such as those waiting for status renewal or victims of domestic violence applying for permission to remain separately from their partner, were unable to set up an eVisa or access it due to error messages.
Lack of Government Liability
The government promised compensation for losses resulting from the Windrush scandal but denies liability for losses related to eVisas, according to the UKVI system’s terms and conditions.
Status Ownership and Offline Alternatives
The3million has urged the Home Office to publish a detailed troubleshooting guide and provide offline alternatives. However, the government rejected a proposal to make proof of status accessible via an app, physical card, or passport sticker.
Gomez agrees that people need a physical document as proof of their UK status in case of technology failures.
This article first appeared on Context, powered by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
