UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK’s SIA won’t accept eVisas from job applicants, raising concerns of discrimination and a repeat of past immigration scandals.
As reported by The Guardian, a UK agency overseen by the Home Office, responsible for licensing hundreds of thousands of security personnel, has confirmed it does not currently accept eVisas for job applicants.
The new eVisa system, intended to replace physical biometric residence permits as proof of legal status, has faced a troubled rollout and serious setbacks.
Despite the government’s push for digital verification, some banks, academic institutions, and even the Solicitors Regulation Authority have refused to accept eVisas as evidence of identity.
NGOs have raised concerns that people are struggling to access child benefits using eVisas, though the Department for Work and Pensions has rejected these claims.
Why are eVisas still not accepted by the SIA?
The Home Office said the Security Industry Authority must update its operational systems before it can begin accepting eVisas in the licensing process. A significant number of job seekers are unable to proceed with applications due to the absence of any other official identification besides their eVisa.
The SIA licensed around 451,000 individuals last year, covering roles such as security guards, CCTV operators, and door supervisors.
According to the3million, concerns have been raised about banks and other financial institutions refusing to accept eVisas as proof of identity or immigration status.
What did Brian Dickoff warn about the eVisa system?
Brian Dickoff, a legal officer at Migrants Organise, observing the eVisa transition, said,
“The whole point of the eVisa system is supposed to be that individuals’ status is secure and they can prove their ID and status easily, avoiding another Windrush Scandal. This is not happening.”
He stated,
“Newly granted refugees with clear status and many others are having difficulties even with the Home Office department, and even more with banks, employers, and landlords turned into border guards by the ‘Hostile Environment’ policy.”
Mr Dickoff added,
“We are only six months into the full eVisa transition – what will happen in five, 10, 20 years? How many more individuals will suddenly and wrongly be told that they don’t have an entitlement to live in the country? Where is the lesson learned?”
What did Andreea Dumitrache say about the eVisa system?
The3million’s Andreea Dumitrache has highlighted serious concerns about the eVisa system, citing confusion and system-wide shortcomings.
She added,
“We’ve seen how much confusion this system has caused, and there’s an urgent need for an independent review of the entire eVisa system and its rushed rollout.”
What did the DWP say about accepting eVisas?
Some NGOs report that families have had child benefit claims denied after being told by DWP officials that eVisas are not accepted as valid proof of identity or eligibility.
A DWP spokesperson said,
“DWP accepts eVisas as valid identification for proof of immigration status. An eVisa does not impact someone’s entitlement to DWP benefits.”
What did the Home Office say about SIA and eVisas?
A Home Office spokesperson stated,
“The Security Industry Authority (SIA) supports the introduction of eVisas. Changes to SIA operational systems are required before these can be accepted as part of the licence application process. We continue to engage with the SIA so they are aware of the role of the eVisa and that it has replaced physical forms of immigration documentation.”
UK immigration visa rules proposed for 2025
- ILR period extended from 5 to 10 years for most visas
- Higher skill level now required for work visas
- English language requirements made stricter
- Graduate visa shortened to 18 months
- Social care visa route closed for new overseas applicants
- Immigration and ILR fees increased
- Some routes (e.g. family, EU Settlement) remain unchanged