Long-term residents in the UK are expressing concern over the upcoming transition to eVisas, fearing they may be "locked out" of the country despite having lived there for decades. The new system, set to take effect at the end of the year, replaces physical immigration documents with online visas. Critics have raised alarms over potential flaws in the system that could cause issues for many, particularly older residents.


Transition to eVisas Raises Concerns for Legacy Document Holders

The eVisa scheme will phase out biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs), which currently serve as proof of the right to live, work, rent, and claim benefits in the UK. However, the shift has sparked concerns among the 200,000 residents who hold legacy documents, which confirm their right to remain in the country. These individuals will be required to first obtain a BRP before transitioning to an online visa. Many worry that this process is complex and could leave some without access to critical services.


Older individuals, who may be less familiar with digital systems, are particularly vulnerable. Similar to the Windrush scandal, there is a risk that some may not be aware of the need to switch to an eVisa until they encounter difficulties accessing services like healthcare.


Personal Stories Highlight the Impact of eVisa Changes

Kathleen Harper, a 78-year-old American actor who has lived in the UK since 1974, exemplifies the personal toll the new regulations are taking. Harper, who holds indefinite leave to remain (ILR), learned about the eVisa requirement from a friend rather than official communication from the Home Office. Despite having lived and worked in the UK for nearly 50 years, she has been asked to prove her residency for each year she has been in the country.


“I don’t know what kind of proof the Home Office needs,” Harper said, expressing frustration. “I’ve worked here for so long, so there are records of my work, but this whole process has been stressful.” She’s particularly concerned about her upcoming family trip to Sri Lanka in January, fearing she might not be allowed back into the UK upon her return.


Others with similar concerns share her anxiety. One British man worries that his foreign-born wife, who now holds an eVisa, could face difficulties re-entering the country. He pointed out that the digital visa lacks details like a passport number, which could lead to confusion or refusal by airlines.


Criticism Mounts Over the eVisa Rollout

Advocates for migrants and digital rights have voiced concerns about the program. Sara Alsherif, from the Open Rights Group, emphasized the fear migrants are facing due to the eVisa scheme. "With just weeks until the Home Office’s deadline, we’re approaching a crisis point. The government must address the flaws in the system to avoid another Windrush-like scandal," she said.


Monique Hawkins, a policy officer at The3million, which supports EU citizens in the UK, highlighted the risks of system errors. “We’ve seen people lose job offers, housing, and even get stranded abroad because they couldn’t prove their immigration status,” she said.


Home Office Responds to Criticism

The UK government, while defending the eVisa scheme, has urged those with physical immigration documents to switch to eVisas as soon as possible. Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, reassured individuals that free advice and support are available to help with the transition. Malhotra emphasized that the eVisa offers greater security since it cannot be lost or tampered with, and allows visa holders to prove their immigration status instantly.


Despite these assurances, residents like Harper feel unsettled. “The way the Home Office is handling this makes me feel like I don’t belong here anymore,” she said. "After all these years, I now have to prove my rights all over again.”


Looking Ahead: Will eVisas Cause Long-Term Issues?

As the deadline for the switch to eVisas approaches, many residents remain worried about being inadvertently excluded from the country they have called home for decades. While the Home Office is pushing forward with the transition, critics argue that without significant improvements, the system could cause unnecessary complications for thousands of residents.


The success of the new eVisa program will depend on how effectively the government addresses its flaws and ensures that everyone, particularly older individuals and those with limited digital skills, can smoothly transition to the new system.