Minister for Migration and Citizenship (): The transition to eVisas
is a key element of our move to a digital, streamlined UK border
and immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents
with digital proof of immigration status.
Most physical biometric immigration documents (BIDs), in the form
of biometric residence permits (BRPs), expired on 31 December
2024. We are encouraging all foreign national status holders to
register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access
their eVisa. This transition began with the EU settlement scheme
and many foreign nationals now coming to the UK will already have
an eVisa. The transition to digital BIDs (eVisas) needs to be
reflected in the “Code of Practice about the sanctions for
non-compliance with the biometric registration regulations” (“the
Code of Practice”) which was last updated in 2015.
Holders of eVisas will be able to evidence their identity and
status by creating a UKVI account “share-code” which they can
provide to third parties, such as employers. At times, key
account information such as facial images and name changes will
need to be updated. Keeping this information up to date is a
requirement set out in the Immigration (Biometric Registration)
Regulations 2008. Failing to comply with these requirements may
result in the Secretary of State imposing sanctions on the
individual. These requirements and the way sanctions will operate
are outlined in the Code of Practice.
We have revised the existing Code of Practice and consulted on
the changes through a 12-week public consultation exercise
between July and October 2023. This consultation included an
online survey, two in-person engagement events and two virtual
events. We also conducted a further round of engagement in
November 2024 with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that the
Code of Practice does not disproportionately impact vulnerable
individuals and there are enough support mechanisms in place.
Feedback from the consultation exercise and further engagement
has been reflected in the revised Code of Practice. We are now
ready to publish the Government's response to the consultation. A
copy of the consultation response and the revised Code of
Practice will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and
published on Gov.UK.
