Seema Malhotra, the migration and citizenship minister, said the government had postponed a full shift to the new digital immigration system amid "real fear" of another Windrush-style scandal among minority communities.
It follows complaints from eVisa applicants who have failed to gain access to the new digital immigration system so they can demonstrate they have a right to return to their homes in the UK.
Most physical documentation proving the right of non-citizens 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.
Migrant workers have complained that without an eVisa, they could not access employment or housing.
This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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