Seema Malhotra, the migration and citizenship minister, said the government had postponed a full shift to the new digital immigration system amid "real fear" of another Windrush-style scandal among minority communities.
It follows complaints from eVisa applicants who have failed to gain access to the new digital immigration system so they can demonstrate they have a right to return to their homes in the UK.
Most physical documentation proving the right of non-citizens to remain in the UK, such as biometric residence permits, will no longer be valid as proof of residency from 31 December.
It is understood that hundreds of UK residents have struggled to access the system from abroad and so cannot return to their homes, Home Office insiders said.
Migrant workers have complained that without an eVisa, they could not access employment or housing.
This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
White House Rushes Weapons To Ukraine Before Trump Takeover
The Biden administration is hurrying military equipment to Ukraine in a last-ditch effort to shore up the country's defenses against the Russian invasion before Donald Trump assumes the US presidency in January.
Poorest Countries Struggle To Pay Record Debt Costs After Rates Soar
Developing countries spent a record $1.4tn (£1.1tn) in debt payments to foreign lenders in 2023 as soaring interest rates pushed the cost of financing loans to a 20-year high, the World Bank's latest International Debt Report shows.
'I was never cool' Guardiola denies his six-finger sign shows he is losing grip
Pep Guardiola has denied that raising six fingers during Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool on Sunday shows he is losing his cool in the manner José Mourinho did when showing three digits during his time in charge of Manchester United.
Amorim gives United stark warning of 'tough times'
Ruben Amorim has warned his Manchester United players \"the storm will come,\" and there will be difficult times ahead despite a promising start to his tenure, as his team prepare to face Arsenal.
Ødegaard the inspiration for Arsenal's uplift, admits Arteta
Mikel Arteta believes Martin Ødegaard's influence has been instrumental in Arsenal's return to form as they attempt to haul back Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Clinical Mateta proves the difference to ease pressure for Palace
Perhaps the alarm bells can ring a little less loudly for Crystal Palace.
Daka decks the halls to give Van Nistelrooy opening win
As one manager celebrated his first game in charge, another may have endured his last. Ruud Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a fortuitous but hard-earned victory as he could luxuriate in seeing Leicester move four points clear of the relegation zone but Julen Lopetegui must be fearing for the worst.
Guéhi could be hit by FA charge over message on armband
Marc Guéhi is likely to face punishment from the Football Association after the Crystal Palace captain wrote \"Jesus loves you\" on his rainbow armband in the game against Ipswich.
Slot warns his Liverpool team not to rest on their laurels
Arne Slot believes Liverpool's imperious form has made them a bigger target for Premier League rivals and that trips to Newcastle and Everton could be more problematic than the statement wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Scotland out in the cold after playoff defeat
Scotland face a bleak winter after their hopes of qualification for the European Championship in Switzerland next summer were extinguished in a frozen Helsinki.
