Ministers to postpone full shift to eVisas next month

Ministers are to postpone a full shift to eVisas next month after concerns that UK residents could be stranded abroad because of glitches in the system, the Guardian has learned.

- Rajeev Syal

It follows complaints from applicants who have failed to gain access to the new digital immigration system so they can demonstrate they have a right to return to the UK.

Most physical documentation proving the right to remain in the UK, such as biometric residence permits, will no longer be valid as proof of residency from 31 December.

It is understood that hundreds of UK residents have struggled to access the system from abroad and so cannot return to their homes, Home Office insiders said.

The Guardian disclosed on Sunday that migrant workers who have the right to live and work in the UK cannot access their eVisas and provide proof that they are allowed to be in the country.

A Whitehall source said that ministers will postpone the full rollout on 1 January and have examined the possibility of changing the rules so that physical documentation could be allowed in certain circumstances.