YK Poudel

The United Kingdom (UK) has transitioned to a digital immigration system with the introduction of eVisas, replacing physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) for all immigrants, including Bhutanese nationals.

Announced yesterday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET), this move is a significant shift in the UK’s visa procedures, aiming to streamline immigration processes and improve digital record-keeping.

Under the new system, individuals planning to stay in the UK for more than six months will no longer receive physical BRPs or BRCs. Instead, they will be issued an eVisa, a digital document containing the same information as the physical permits, including immigration status and any conditions associated with their stay.

The UK government has encouraged all immigrants, including Bhutanese nationals, to set up a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) account in order to access their eVisa.

For short-term visits, the eVisa system has been extended starting January this year. This means that even tourists, business visitors, and other short-term travellers to the UK will need to use the eVisa platform for entry and immigration tracking.

In a key change, the UK has confirmed that all existing BRCs had expired by December 31, 2024, even for individuals with valid permission to remain in the UK beyond that date. This move signals the complete phase-out of physical immigration documents for foreign nationals, including Bhutanese citizens, who will now need to rely solely on digital records for immigration status verification.

According to the UK government’s update, the new process aims to simplify the immigration experience by reducing paperwork, improving processing times, and providing easier access to immigration records.

The UK government has emphasized that millions of people are already using the eVisa system, making the transition smoother for those who have already embraced digital immigration tools.

Bhutanese nationals, who frequently travel or immigrate to the UK for work, study, or family reasons, are advised to familiarize themselves with the new process to avoid delays or confusion that could affect travel plans or immigration statuses.