What’s Next for Long-Stay Immigrants? UK Ditches Paper to Go Digital

To modernize its immigration system, the United Kingdom has decided to eliminate physical immigration documents for individuals planning to stay in the country for extended periods.

This change signifies a significant shift towards a more digitalized process, impacting many, especially the Nigerian community, one of the largest African groups in the UK.

What changed

Previously, immigrants in the UK, including those from Nigeria, who were granted permission to reside for more than six months received physical forms of identification, such as the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). 

These documents were crucial for proving legal status within the country. However, the UK government is now transitioning to a digital-only system.

Under the new protocol, long-stay immigrants will no longer receive physical documents. Instead, they will manage their immigration status through a UKVI online account. This account will serve as the central hub for all visa details, including the type of visa, its expiration date, and any conditions tied to the immigrant’s stay.

What does this mean for immigrants?

The shift to digital documentation is designed to streamline the immigration process. Immigrants will access their status information anytime and anywhere, alleviating the fear of lost or stolen documents. 

Moreover, the digital system will expedite the process of proving legal status to authorities, employers, and landlords.

For instance, instead of presenting a physical BRP, immigrants will simply share their digital visa status, which can be easily verified online by those who need to check it. This change is touted to enhance security as digital statuses are less susceptible to fraud and tampering.

The transition period

The transition to a digital system began subtly in 2018 with the introduction of eVisas for various schemes, including the EU Settlement Scheme. The UK government emphasizes the ease and increased security of digital documents over physical ones.

For Nigerians and other nationals residing in the UK, the change means updating personal information and passport details within the UKVI system to ensure a smooth transition. 

Especially for those whose BRPs are expiring by December 31, 2024, it is critical to set up an eVisa account promptly to avoid any disruption in their legal status in the UK.

With over 200,000 Nigerians living in the UK, the impact of this digital shift is vast. The convenience of a digital system could mean less hassle in maintaining and renewing immigration documents, but it also requires a level of digital literacy and access that may not be universal.