This is an update following the earlier news article on this topic available at: https://pragma.international/article/full-rollout-of-evisas-set-to-be-postponed-after-foreign-worker-warning#no-back

It has been reported that passengers will be allowed to use expired identity documents (including expired BRP cards) to travel to the UK because of flaws in the eVisa system after 31 December 2024.

Seema Malhotra, the migration and citizenship minister, said the government had postponed a planned full shift to the new digital immigration system amid “real fear” of another Windrush-style scandal among minority communities.

As our readers remember, the Home Office has been issuing eVisas for several years – including the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) after Brexit, Skilled Worker visas, and for Hongkongers applying for the British National (Overseas) visa. Paper documents were supposed to be completely phased out and replaced from 1 January 2025 with the Home Office having ceased issuing physical biometric residence permits on 31 October 2024.

However, it is reported that hundreds of UK residents have struggled to access the system from abroad and so cannot return to their homes, along with migrant workers complaining that without an eVisa, they could not access employment or housing in the UK.

Seema Malhotra stated the following in this regard:

“I have heard a range of concerns, including that the move to eVisas might negatively impact the vulnerable and elderly, leaving them unable to demonstrate their rights. I know that international travel is also a particular point of concern ahead of the festive period. I have therefore brought in changes to reflect these concerns … this includes working with airlines to allow biometric residence permits or EU settlement scheme (EUSS) biometric residence cards that expire on or after 31 December to be accepted as valid evidence of permission to travel until 31 March 2025.”

It is reported that the Home Office is planning to set up a 24-hour helpline for airlines attempting to identify documents over the New Year exceptionally busy period.

We shall keep our readers updated on this matter and shall publish an update once further information becomes available.