Thousands of non-EU migrants may miss the 31 December 2024 deadline to switch from physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to digital eVisas because the Home Office sent registration links to immigration lawyers instead of the actual permit-holders. Glasgow-based consultancy Five Star International says solicitors have received “multiple generic invitations with no personal identifiers”, making it impossible to match codes to clients. (fivestarinternational.co.uk)
Campaigners warn that older migrants, those with limited English and low-income families are most at risk of losing proof of status, jeopardising jobs, housing and travel. Although the eVisa itself is free, users must create a UKVI account and upload identity documents via smartphone – a hurdle for anyone without compatible devices.
![Home Office email blunder risks locking BRP holders out of new e-Visa system]()
In April the Home Office began a phased replacement of BRPs, but the consultancy claims communication has been “woefully inadequate”. Immigration practitioners are calling for an extension of the deadline or a central helpline to regenerate lost invitation codes. Businesses employing long-term sponsored workers should audit staff BRP expiry dates and ensure employees have successfully created e-Visa accounts.
Practical tip: HR teams can ask staff to download and test the UK Immigration: ID Check app well ahead of travel, as e-Visas will replace BRPs for re-entry from 2025. Failure to register could lead to carriers refusing boarding, since physical BRPs will cease to be accepted.
Campaigners warn that older migrants, those with limited English and low-income families are most at risk of losing proof of status, jeopardising jobs, housing and travel. Although the eVisa itself is free, users must create a UKVI account and upload identity documents via smartphone – a hurdle for anyone without compatible devices.
In April the Home Office began a phased replacement of BRPs, but the consultancy claims communication has been “woefully inadequate”. Immigration practitioners are calling for an extension of the deadline or a central helpline to regenerate lost invitation codes. Businesses employing long-term sponsored workers should audit staff BRP expiry dates and ensure employees have successfully created e-Visa accounts.
Practical tip: HR teams can ask staff to download and test the UK Immigration: ID Check app well ahead of travel, as e-Visas will replace BRPs for re-entry from 2025. Failure to register could lead to carriers refusing boarding, since physical BRPs will cease to be accepted.
Source: Five Star International
