A written statement to Parliament on eVisas will be made tomorrow
The Government is set to announce a delay in its plans to fully transition to digital-only eVisas by 1 January 2025, the Guardian reported this evening.
Image credit: WikipediaThe decision follows concerns that the looming deadline could lead to another Windrush-style scandal, with people finding themselves unable to prove their immigration status.
An official written statement to Parliament on eVisas will be made tomorrow.
Seema Malhotra, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, was quoted by the Guardian as saying: "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."
The Minister added: "I still find it staggering that the Tories chose 1 January to roll out the biggest change to immigration documents for a generation on an international public holiday – risking a cliff-edge, when hardly anyone is working."