Nigerians No Longer Need Biometric Residence Card to Live in UK

UK GOVERNMENT SCRAPS BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE CARDS FOR NIGERIANS, INTRODUCES eVISA SYSTEM.

In a significant move, the UK government has announced plans to replace physical migration documents with digital versions, phasing out biometric residence cards (BRCs) and biometric residence permits (BRPs) for Nigerians living in the UK. By December 31, 2024, Nigerians will no longer receive physical documents, instead, they will be issued an online eVisa.

According to the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK), the eVisa is an online record of an individual’s immigration status and conditions of permission to enter or stay in the UK. Nigerians affected by the change will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

The Home Office has assured that updating physical documents to eVisas will not affect immigration status or conditions of permission to enter or stay in the UK. The new regime aims to simplify the immigration process and eliminate the need for physical documentation.

Nigerians can visit www.gov.uk/evisa to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa. The eVisa will be linked to their passport in their UKVI account, and they must keep their passport or ID card details up to date to ensure easy identification at the UK border.

CANUK, an umbrella organization representing Nigerians in the UK, has welcomed the move, noting that it will save Nigerians the hassle of carrying physical documentation. The organization has been working closely with the Home Office to ensure a smooth transition to the new eVisa system.

KEY BENEFITS OF THE eVISA SYSTEM

– Convenience: Nigerians can access their immigration status and conditions online, eliminating the need for physical documentation.
– Easy updates: Immigration status and conditions can be updated online, reducing administrative burdens.
– Enhanced security: Digital documentation reduces the risk of lost, stolen, or fraudulent physical documents.
– Streamlined processes: The eVisa system automates many processes, reducing processing times and wait periods.

WHAT NIGERIANS NEED TO DO

– Create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
– Ensure passport or ID card details are up-to-date in their UKVI account.
– Familiarize themselves with the new eVisa system and its requirements.

CANUK’S ROLE IN THE TRANSITION

– Collaborating with the Home Office to ensure a smooth transition.
– Providing guidance and support to Nigerians affected by the change.
– Advocating for the interests of Nigerians in the UK.

As the UK government rolls out the eVisa system, Nigerians in the UK are advised to stay informed and adapt to the new processes. The eVisa system promises to bring greater convenience, security, and efficiency to the immigration experience.