Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - The United Kingdom has announced significant changes to its visa application process for individuals seeking to work or study in the country, effective July 15th, 2025.
In a statement released by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
on Tuesday, the UK Government confirmed that it will phase out the issuance of
visa vignettes - stickers placed in passports granting temporary entry - replacing
them with digital visas for eligible applicants.
The vignette previously allowed successful applicants to
travel to the UK and collect their full visa in the form of a Biometric
Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival.
Under the new system, applicants will retain their passports
after submitting biometric data at Visa Application Centres (VACs) and will
receive visa details electronically via email or through an online portal.
"This means you will get to take your passport home the
same day as your VAC appointment," UKVI stated.
The move is part of the UK’s broader strategy to fully
digitize its immigration system.
The announcement comes shortly after new rules were
introduced on June 2nd, prohibiting the use of expired BRPs for
travel, even if the visa remains valid.
However, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Ed
Barnett, has reaffirmed that visa application fees remain non-refundable for
Kenyan applicants whose applications are rejected, despite growing public
criticism.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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