eVisa is not really the Proof of Identity (yet)
A major UK agency has refused to accept digital eVisas as valid ID for job applicants. The Security Industry Authority (SIA), which licenses over 450,000 workers in the private security sector, says it is unable to verify the applicant’s identity solely on eVisas.
This decision has demanded scrutinies among eVisa holders as they are facing unnecessary barriers due to its newly introduced visa scheme.
What are eVisas?
The UK government introduced eVisas to replace physical immigration documents. They are digital records that prove a person’s right to live, work and access services in the UK.
The goal was to digitalize immigration status checks. Instead of using a physical document, an individual can now prove their status online. The government claimed that this new method would be simple and secure. But in practice, it has not really that way.
Issue of eVisas
The SIA says eVisa is not accepted as proof of ID, which means people with legal status can’t even apply for a license, making them unable to secure a job in security sectors.
This is not the unique case. Many organizations, including banks, institutions and landlords, have also refused to recognize eVisas. Some job seekers and benefit claimants have turned away due to this.
This confusion is putting lives on hold.
Who is affected?
Many migrants, refugees and long-term residents rely on eVisas as their only ID. For example, a refugee named Mohamed had his biometric card taken away after switching to an eVisa. He tried to apply for an SIA license but was told his digital status wasn’t sufficient the proof of identity.
Without a license, he will not be eligible to work as s security guard.
He is not alone. Campaigners say they’ve received dozens of similar cases. People are often being denied jobs, benefits and even housing.
Why is this happening in the first place?
The problem lies in poor coordination. The Home Office says all organizations should accept eVisas. But many agencies, like the SIA, haven’t updated their systems, making them difficult to check the identities of applicants.
So, even though the eVisa system is official, it is not very useful.
Some groups believe this is a serious policy failure. Migrants Organize, a support charity, calls it “a crisis.” They say the government failed to train staff, inform the public, or create backup plans.
A repeat of wind-rush?
Experts warn this could lead to another disaster. That scandal involved people wrongly classified as illegal immigrants, even though they had lived in the UK for decades.
Without proper documentation, they lost lose jobs, homes and healthcare.
Now, a similar situation may happen again. If digital records do not work and physical cards are scraped, people are left with nothing to show.
Campaigners are demanding action before more harm is done.
Government response
The Home Office admits that not all entities are ready to accept eVisas. However, it says the SIA supports the idea and is working to make its systems compatible.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) insists it does accept eVisas for benefits. But campaigners say they’ve seen many cases where the DWP still rejects them.
Clearly, there is a gap between policy and reality.
System-wide issues
The eVisa system has had problems from the start. Although over 3 million people have registered, nearly 700,000 were still unregistered just weeks before the deadline.
Many users reported glitches. Some couldn’t link their email. Others were locked out while travelling. In some cases, people were stranded abroad or lost their homes due to status-check errors. Also, the layout of website is confusing which leading to complexities of accessing eVisas for the thing supposed to be intuitive.
What do campaigners want?
Organizations including the 3million and Migrants Organise are calling for an independent review. They want the government to investigate how the eVisa rollout went wrong.
They also want backup documents to be reissued—at least until the digital system is fully functional. This would help avoid further mistakes and prevent vulnerable people from being excluded.
Lastly, they demand better communication. Too many banks, landlords and employers don’t understand how eVisas work. There has to be change.
What now?
Unless the SIA changes its rules, thousands of legal residents will remain unable to apply for jobs in security. And if other agencies continue to ignore eVisas, even more people will be blocked from services they’re entitled to.
The government guaranteed a modernized system. But until it hasn’t been the way they thought.
For now, the digital-only approach is unreliable. People need physical proof and proper support. Without those, the system is simply adding up risks and hassles.
In conclusion
● The SIA refuses to accept eVisas as valid ID for licensing.
● Many people with legal UK status are unable to apply for jobs or benefits.
● Confusion, poor planning and technical issues have caused widespread problems.
● They want urgent fixes, including system updates and backup ID options.
The future of UK immigration status should be digital—until it’s fully ready and usable–now is not a right time.