Webinar – Will the government’s e-visa scheme lead to another Windrush scandal? 

By the end of December 2024, the Home Office wants to replace physical documents proving people’s right to be in the UK with eVisas. This will affect up to four million people in the UK, many of whom are not aware that they even have to apply for an eVisa. 

Once the scheme is in place, there is a risk that people may be unable to prove their right to work, study, rent or access public services. The scheme also includes new responsibilities for airlines that could leave people stranded outside the UK in the New Year.

With time running out, are we heading for a second Windrush scandal where people who have the right to be in the UK can no longer prove their status because of failings in the Home Office’s systems?

Next week, I will chair a panel of experts who will discuss the serious risks posed by the flawed roll out and implementation of the eVisa scheme. 

Speakers

Zoe Bantleman is the Legal Director of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA), a barrister, and an editor of the Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law. 

Kezia Tobin is Head of Policy and Advocacy at the3million. She is an immigration lawyer with over 15 years experience in advocating for migrants to the UK. Alongside her work at the3million she also maintains a practice as a barrister in the UK’s immigration courts. 

Ramya Jaidev co-founded Windrush Lives, an advocacy and support group, with victims of the scandal and activists in 2020. She is involved pro-bono in advocacy and organising on migration and civil/ human rights, in addition to issues related specifically to the Windrush Compensation Scheme. She is a commercial litigator by profession. 

Kuba Jablonowski is a lecturer in digital sociology at the University of Bristol. His research investigates design and operational aspects of digital identity systems in public administration and migration governance. Kuba often collaborates with public bodies and social movements to generate and disseminate research insights.