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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Chaminda Jayanetti

‘Rushed’ deadline for UK digital visas puts millions at risk of losing legal rights

A large UK Border sign hangs above a row of customs officers' desks at Gatwick airport
People may only learn of the new rules when they are unable to prove their right to return from holiday or claim benefits. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

More than 4 million non-EU migrants living in Britain will need to switch to digital “eVisas” by the end of this year or risk being unable to prove their legal rights, according to figures seen by the Observer.

Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) – given to all foreign nationals with permission to live in the UK for at least six months – demonstrate proof of an individual’s right to study, access public services and claim benefits. But they are being replaced under the Home Office’s digitisation programme.

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