UK immigration update - June 2024
The government has announced information on the implementation of e-visas to take effect from 1 January 2025. A digital immigration system will be used and physical documents, such as vignettes and biometric residence permits (BRP) or cards, will gradually be phased out.
From 17 April 2024, the Home Office began contacting eligible individuals to register for an e-visa account, an electronic database for their immigration status. The Home Office plans to send invites in phased stages throughout 2024.
Who does this impact?
This recent announcement will impact all non-UK/Irish citizens who have permission to remain in the UK and hold a physical document to evidence of their immigration status. This includes staff members who have limited or permanent leave to legally reside in the UK.
What does this mean for your organisation?
The Home Office has already started implementing the online right-to-work system for employers and limiting the circumstances where physical documents are accepted to prove a worker's immigration status.
What is an e-Visa and why do our employees need one?
An e-Visa is an online record that stores details of an individual’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK. If they don’t already have an account, they will be invited to create one to access their e-Visa. There are no fees to use this service.
The UK is implementing a secure and safer digital system to strengthen border security. The electronic account will hold information on the type of permission individuals have, visa dates and visa conditions.
The Home Office has released an informative video that employers can use to share with their staff members.
My employee already holds an e-visa, what else do they need to do?
They will need to keep their UKVI account personal details up-to-date and notify the Home Office of any changes to their passport or travel document. This is to ensure they can continue to access their accounts and to avoid any unnecessary delays at the UK border.
My employees have BRPs expiring on 31 December 2024, do they need to do anything?
They do not need to tell the Home Office if their BRP expires on 31 December 2024, but their immigration permission (for example, visa) allows them to stay longer.
They will be contacted to create an e-visa account and the Home Office will provide instructions on what they need to do i.e. how to create an account.
For those not yet contacted, the Home Office will be sending out details later in 2024 so they should look out for it.
Please note, that where an immigration representative has been used, UKVI will be contacting them separately.
What does this mean for British/Irish nationals?
No action is required for British or Irish citizens, they can continue using their passports to prove their immigration status.
Some helpful links
How Forvis Mazars can help
- Bespoke communications you can provide to your employees.
- Hosting webinars/workshops for individuals on what they need to do.
- Follow-up drop-in sessions later in the year to answer questions.
- How to guides you can distribute to your employees.
- Tracker of all your current employers under sponsorship.
Our team of professionals are here and ready to assist with your immigration needs. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding UK immigration, please feel free to contact the Forvis Mazars immigration team.
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