Digitised immigration system causes problems for many

Written by David Fletcher 20 Nov 2025
Digitised immigration system causes problems for many

Flaws in the Home Office’s digitised immigration system has left many lawful residents struggling to prove their rights and access essential services. According to a detailed report by the3million, widespread flaws in the eVisa system - introduced to replace physical immigration documents - have caused severe disruption, including people being refused flights, suspended from work, and denied benefits or healthcare. Technical failures have led to incorrect personal information, merged identities, inaccessible accounts, and wrongful immigration statuses being displayed. Some individuals have even been told they received refugee status in error, while others have lost job opportunities or been pushed into hardship when their status inexplicably changed. Solicitors warn that these failures amount to a ‘digital status crisis’; it is likely that many more cases have not been reported. A High Court challenge argues that the system leaves people without alternative proof of status, while campaigners call for an urgent independent review before digital IDs are expanded further. The Home Office maintains that most users experience no problems.

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