The minister apologized after people wrongly informed that their financial support was being questioned after receiving letters of benefit, the Guardian has learnt.
The error occurred due to flaws in the eVisas system, which moved around whether they will work with people. travel overseas and then try to return to the UK. The new visas are due to come into effect at the end of this month, though the government has He extended the grace period for those using eVisas to return to the UK when they travel next March.
The latest problem to hit the eVisa rollout is a lack of communication between . Home office and Department for Labor and Pensions technology. Physical identification documents held by many people, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), are scheduled to expire on December 31 when eVisas are due to replace them. However, migrants’ rights to reside in the UK do not necessarily expire on that day.
NGOs have been used to cases where migrants relying on benefits have received letters terminating them because their BRPs have expired on 31 December and have been taken by the DWP to mean that their entitlement to benefits will expire then too.
The DWP has admitted that automatic notification letters have been sent to some migrants who will have their benefits terminated due to this error and that officials are now automatically “suppressing” these notifications.
In a letter seen by the Guardian, transformation officer at the DWP, Andrew Western, said: “I want to express my apologies for the closure letter being sent in error, for any concern and distress to individuals.”
DWP officials say there is ongoing work to identify people with physical BRPs that expire on December 31, 2024, and to bring records up to date with accurate immigration statutes.
Examples of problems migrants experience with incorrect termination of benefits include:
Crusader was granted refugee status on March 1, 2021 for five years. His BRP is only valid until 31 December 2024. He is receiving personal independence payment (PIP). On 2 July 2024, he received a letter stating that Pip would end on 31 December 2024. No reason was given by the DWP.
A refugee family applied for universal credit in January 2024. The election determines whether the family is eligible for this benefit. But the decision letter states that it will be necessary to review the decision of December 31, 2024.
A person with indefinite leave to remain has been notified by the DWP that he has failed to meet his salary and pension credit as it is due at the end of December. This person is severely disabled, cannot move without severe pain, and is usually housebound.
Andreea Dumitrache from the3million campaign group said: “Despite the Home Office’s commitment to the eVisa rollout by 2024, we have continued to see people receiving letters directly from the DWP saying that their benefits will end at the end of December.
“It is a positive step that the DWP have acknowledged and apologized for these errors, and are working to prevent further damage. We remain concerned as we continue to hear that the individual decision makers of the DWP clearly still ignore the difference between when a pardon is issued and when immigration papers and permits are issued.”
Brian Dikoff, legal director at Char Migrants Organise, said: “The hostile environment has turned essential public services into border guards. Next year, when physical proof of status expires and people are forced to show their immigration status, many will be denied access to their rights and titles.
DWP sources have confirmed that staff have received more training on the rollout of eVisas and more robust processes are already in place.
A DWP spokesman said: “A small number of closure notice letters have been sent in error and we want to confirm that customers who have permanent refugee status will receive the benefits they are entitled to.”