The Home Office is changing border security measures, and millions of people with UK visas are being advised to update their immigration paperwork.

The government intends to switch out physical biometric residency permits (BRPs), which serve as documentation of one's eligibility to work, live, and receive benefits in the United Kingdom, with digital eVisas.

The Home Office has allocated £4 million to support charities that assist disadvantaged individuals who would find it difficult to obtain an eVisa without assistance. It is scheduled to be introduced at the end of the year.

According to the government, a nationwide ad campaign will promote the program and urge individuals impacted to act before numerous documents expire in December.Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said: "Everyone with physical immigration documents is urged to take action now to switch to an eVisa, and I want to reassure those who need it that free advice and support is available."

However, campaigners have warned the changes could lead to a “digital Windrush scandal” and are urging the government to rethink the scheme before it comes into effect on January 1, 2025.

Evisas were first tested and implemented during the EU Settlement Scheme, which was set up for EU citizens who were resident in the UK before Brexit, and their family members.

Digital rights campaign organisation Open Rights Group argues that the term e-Visa is “misleading” as people will not be issued with a digital visa that they can store on their phones, but they will have to register for an account that will allow them to generate a new online status each time it is required.

This means they are susceptible to “data errors, system crashes and the stability of Internet connections”, the group said.

There is particular concern about some 200,000 people who have legacy documents proving their immigration status and will first have to apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) and then for a UK visas and immigration account.

The Home Office insists the switch to an eVisa is simple and “offers greater customer convenience, significant cost savings and enhanced security for the UK’s border and immigration system”.

It argues it “cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights”.

Monique Hawkins, research and policy officer for the grassroots organisation of EU citizens in the UK the3million, said: “The government has inherited a completely unrealistic digitalisation programme which has already ruined the lives of many EU citizens in the UK.

“It will now put at risk the rights of four million more migrants, leaving people without reliable proof of their immigration status and at the hands of the hostile environment. We need the Home Secretary to safeguard against this catastrophic cliff-edge and start working with civil society to implement a better form of digital status which allows for physical backups.”

Sara Alsherif, programme manager for migrant digital justice at Open Rights Group, added: “The e-Visa scheme is yet another failed IT project that could have life-changing consequences for thousands of people in the UK.

"Neither has the Home Office listened to the concerns of migrants and the organisations that represent them, nor has it learnt from past mistakes.

"We urge the new Home Secretary to take urgent action in order to prevent a digital Windrush scandal next year, as the deadline for e-Visa applications is just months away."