As part of the Government’s strategy to move towards a digital immigration system, eVisas are replacing BRPs as a method of demonstrating a migrant’s immigration status, with all current BRPs looking to expire at the latest on 31 December 2024.
As part of this move, the Home Office has announced on 6 August 2024, that all BRP holders are now able to create UKVI accounts to access their eVisas. This is now permitted regardless of whether their BRP has been lost or stolen save for instances where no other travel document, such as a passport, is available for creation of the UKVI account.
Further advice was also released last week on 15 August 2024 for all BRP holders to keep hold of their BRPs even after they expire as it “may help with future applications to stay in the UK” and for personal records.
With a limited transition window and around 4 million current BRP holders who are impacted by this change, there is concern that the new year may present teething issues if immigration systems are not ready and prepared to access the new eVisas on 1 January 2025. Further announcements may provide a better indication to BRP holders as to the risks presented by any travel over the end-of-year holiday period.
Employers are advised to communicate the upcoming changes with affected employees. The Home Office has published a number of useful leaflets and information pack, which can be accessed here.
For further information, please contact:
Yuichi Sekine, Bird & Bird
yuichi.sekine@twobirds.com
