UK to Switch: The United Kingdom is set to overhaul its immigration system by replacing physical biometric immigration cards with e-visas by 2025. This transition, part of a broader digital border initiative, will phase out current documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs).
People from non-EU nations living in the UK, such as students, employees, migrants, and their family members, receive BRPs to confirm their immigration standing.
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These cards contain biometric data, including facial photographs and fingerprints, stored on a chip for Border Force officers’ verification.
The shift towards e-visas mirrors systems in countries like Australia, where biometric data collection occurs, but physical cards or in-passport vignettes are not issued. Instead, applicants receive e-visas for online verification, serving as digital proof of immigration status.
All existing BRPs will expire on December 31, 2024, regardless of validity or time limit on immigration status, reflecting the UK’s post-Brexit status and the cessation of EU requirements. The Home Office aims to fully discontinue BRPs by 2025.
This transition represents a significant digital transformation in UK immigration processes, streamlining verification procedures and aligning with modern technological standards.
It underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing border security and efficiency while adapting to evolving global migration trends.