Newly recognized refugees are currently at risk of homelessness, with many struggling to access crucial services due to the recent shift to digital visas by the UK government. The warning issued by charities came as a result of the transitioning from physical Biometrics Residence Permits (BRPs) to eVisa which had left some asylum seekers unable to prove their immigration status thus making it difficult for them to secure housing, open bank accounts or even apply for financial support.
eVisa Failure Pushing Refugees Into Crisis
Refugees who previously received a BRP upon gaining asylum status must now access their immigration details online through an eVisa account. To verify their status, they need a “share code”, a system that, according to refugee support organizations, is already failing those who need it most.
A Sudanese refugee, granted asylum in December, said he had been waiting for weeks to access his eVisa. With his Home Office-provided housing set to expire, he was unable to secure alternative accommodation or open a bank account. Despite being referred to various helplines, he was left without a clear solution.
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Another refugee from Eritrea faced similar challenges. Although he was told he would receive his eVisa details within two weeks, they never arrived. A legal charity eventually stepped in to resolve his case.
The charities working with these refugees have emphasized that these system failures are on the rise and would eventually push vulnerable people into homelessness if nothing is done. The newly recognized refugees under the UK rule have just 56 days to find housing before facing eviction from the government-provided accommodation.
Without access to their eVisa, many cannot secure private rentals, register for welfare benefits, or even apply for jobs.
A call for urgent action
This ongoing issue has caused widespread criticism from refugee advocates. The immigration adviser at legal charity Ramfel, Joyinola Loyonu, has stressed that the refugees are now facing unnecessary hardship as a result of the Government’s poor planning.
“Shifting to a fully digital visa system without proper guidance has caused chaos,” she said. “New refugees, many of whom struggle with language barriers and mental health issues, are being left stranded as they face eviction.”
Ceo of Care4Calais, Steve Smith also weighed in on the situation adding that volunteers across the UK were also experiencing the same issue as a daily problem.
“From eVisas containing incorrect details to banks refusing to accept them as valid ID, these errors are having serious consequences for people who are already vulnerable,” he said
Though the Home Office has extended the use of BRPs for travel till March as well as given guidance to banks, charities insisted that the problem persists. Support organizations are therefore calling on the government to provide clearer procedures, faster resolutions, and also emergency assistance for refugees that are facing imminent eviction.