The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) and more than 230 immigration experts have sent an open letter to the Home Office expressing “serious concerns” about the UK’s transition from physical biometric residence permits to digital-only eVisas. Published on 6 December, the letter argues that the 31 December 2024 deadline – retained despite earlier delays – risks leaving vulnerable migrants unable to prove their status.
ILPA highlights five problem areas: lack of a harmonised digital-strategy roadmap; absence of a post-deadline grace period; unresolved technical glitches; inadequate support for digitally excluded groups; and poor public communications. The group recommends a phased roll-out, 24/7 multilingual helplines and acceptance of dual physical-digital proof for at least 12 months.
![Immigration lawyers warn Home Office over ‘rushed’ eVisa rollout in open letter]()
The intervention comes one day after an academic report documented widespread exclusion linked to the eVisa system. Together, they pile pressure on the Home Office to revisit timetables ahead of the March 2026 date when eVisas become mandatory for entry clearance.
For employers and relocation managers, the letter signals potential further policy tweaks and underlines the importance of keeping HR teams trained on evolving right-to-work guidance. Sponsors should consider building internal escalation channels to help staff resolve eVisa account problems rapidly.
A Home Office spokesperson said the department was “confident the digital transition will deliver a world-class border”, but would “continue to engage with stakeholders”.
ILPA highlights five problem areas: lack of a harmonised digital-strategy roadmap; absence of a post-deadline grace period; unresolved technical glitches; inadequate support for digitally excluded groups; and poor public communications. The group recommends a phased roll-out, 24/7 multilingual helplines and acceptance of dual physical-digital proof for at least 12 months.
The intervention comes one day after an academic report documented widespread exclusion linked to the eVisa system. Together, they pile pressure on the Home Office to revisit timetables ahead of the March 2026 date when eVisas become mandatory for entry clearance.
For employers and relocation managers, the letter signals potential further policy tweaks and underlines the importance of keeping HR teams trained on evolving right-to-work guidance. Sponsors should consider building internal escalation channels to help staff resolve eVisa account problems rapidly.
A Home Office spokesperson said the department was “confident the digital transition will deliver a world-class border”, but would “continue to engage with stakeholders”.
