UK Introduces New eVisa System, Encourages Indians
and Other Travelers to Adapt

Los Angeles/ Sep 19, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

The UK has initiated a significant transition on Wednesday, urging all immigrants, including Indian nationals, who currently use physical immigration documents, to shift to an eVisa. This move is part of the country's broader effort to fully digitise its border and immigration system by next year.

Those using biometric residence permits (BRP), passports with visa vignette stickers or ink stamps confirming their right to reside in the UK, or biometric residence cards (BRC) will be required to switch to the digital eVisa system by the end of 2024. Most BRPs are set to expire around that time and will be automatically transitioned online in phases. Immigrants will be able to access their status by creating an account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online portal.

Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, encouraged individuals to take immediate steps to transition to eVisas, reassuring that free support and advice are available for those in need.

To assist vulnerable individuals during this transition, the Home Office has allocated around GBP 4 million in grant funding to several organisations, including Migrant Help, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Welsh Refugee Council, and Advice NI, to offer free and independent support. Physical immigration documents will still be accepted during the transition period, but individuals are urged to act swiftly.

The Home Office is also launching a national awareness campaign to encourage immigrants to switch to eVisas before their physical documents expire in December 2024. This transition is being promoted as a more secure and convenient system, eliminating the risk of lost or stolen documents and ensuring smoother interactions with UK immigration authorities.

The move to eVisas is part of the UK government’s long-term plan to create a seamless digital journey for most visa holders and new applicants by 2025. By doing so, the UK hopes to reduce the need for individuals to leave their passports with the Home Office during visa decisions and save on renewal fees for physical documents.

The transition began in April this year, with BRP holders receiving phased email invitations from UKVI to set up their online accounts. The service is now available to all BRP holders.

British and Irish passport holders, including those who have acquired British citizenship, are not affected by this change.

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