UK Phases Out Physical Immigration Documents, Urges Nigerians to Adapt
The UK government is overhauling its immigration system, which is set to significantly impact Nigerians planning to stay in the country for more than six months.
The key changes are:
1. Shift to digital immigration system: The government is phasing out physical documents like the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in favor of a digital immigration system called eVisas.
2. New requirements for Nigerians: Nigerians granted permission to stay in the UK for more than six months will need to create a UKVI online account to access their digital immigration status. This online platform will hold details of their visa type, expiry date, and conditions of stay.
3. Replacement of physical documents: The documents being replaced include passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps, and vignette stickers in passports, like entry clearance or visa vignettes.
4. Benefits of eVisas: The government claims that eVisas are secure, cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, and will make it quicker and easier to prove one’s status at the UK border and share it with third parties like employers and landlords.
5. Impact on Nigerian diaspora: As one of the largest African communities in the UK with over 200,000 people, the impact of this change on the Nigerian diaspora is expected to be significant.
6. Advice for BRP holders: The Home Office has advised that those with BRPs expiring on December 31, 2024, should prioritize creating their eVisa account to avoid disruptions.
Nigerians affected by these changes must ensure their passport details are up-to-date within the UKVI system and familiarize themselves with the new digital immigration process to ensure a smooth transition.
