UK eVisa system raises alarm for non-EU migrant vulnerability

The Home Office has yet to complete an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) or publish a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for the eVisa rollout, raising questions about potential security risks and fairness. In response to the concerns, the Home Office stated that the eVisa rollout currently relies on existing EIA documents, which are under ongoing review to ensure the eVisa system remains “fair, accessible, and free from barriers to accessing or using the immigration system.”

As the UK continues its transition to a fully digital immigration system, transparency and accountability in addressing these critical concerns will be essential.

Critics argue that the absence of these comprehensive assessments suggest insufficient preparation, potentially leaving non-EU migrants vulnerable to administrative errors, data breaches and challenges in proving their immigration status. Such vulnerabilities could have severe implications, including challenges in securing employment, housing and access to essential services.

The Home Office indicated that it is reviewing previous impact assessments and intends to publish updated reports “in due course.” Nonetheless, the current implementation without comprehensive evaluations has sparked calls for a more cautious approach to ensure that the digital transition does not inadvertently disadvantage the very individuals it intends to serve.

As the UK continues to digitise its immigration system, it is imperative that the government addresses these concerns promptly. Ensuring that all residents can reliably access and prove their immigration status is essential to protecting their rights and maintaining public confidence in the immigration system.

Updated: 8 January 2025

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