The UK's new digital-only immigration system is causing high levels of stress, fear, and exclusion among migrants, according to a study by Migrant Voice and the University of Warwick. The system, which began in 2018, requires nearly all migrants to obtain an eVisa to prove their legal status, making them the first to experience a mandatory digital-only identification system.
Researchers interviewed 40 migrants, many of whom reported anxiety over proving their status digitally and fear of losing their rights due to technical failures. One participant said: 'I don't trust the system, especially because of what Windrush showed us that trusting the government for migration archives is not very trustful.' Migrants faced errors, shifting deadlines, and glitches affecting work, travel, and access to services.
Employers, landlords, and officials often lacked understanding of digital checks, causing delays. Some migrants had to explain the system themselves. Complex processes, language barriers, and problems generating 'share codes' for work or housing were common complaints. Even contacting the Home Office left many unsure.
The study warns that migrants with limited digital literacy, language barriers, or disabilities are at high risk of exclusion. Dr Derya Ozkul from the University of Warwick said: 'This report should serve as a warning about what can go wrong when systems are made compulsory and digital-only, without offering any alternatives.'
