Refugees
Refugees are individuals who were previously asylum seekers, and have been accepted by a host country to obtain refugee status.
Refugees are distinct from asylum seekers.
Refugees are recognized and protected under international law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention. This outlines their rights and the obligations of host countries to provide safety and assistance. The UK is one of the countries that signed the conventions and obliged by its terms and conditions.
Many refugees leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Often abandoning their -
- possessions
- jobs
- loved ones
in search of safety.
As of recent reports, millions of refugees are displaced worldwide.
Due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, significant numbers originate from countries like -
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Afghanistan
Online immigration status (eVisa)
As of 2025, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer valid as proof of immigration status in the UK, including for refugees. The UK government has transitioned to a digital immigration system using eVisas.
What Changed
All BRPs expired on 31 December 2024.
They have been replaced by eVisas, which are online records of your immigration status.
If you are a refugee or have any other immigration status, you must now create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
Expired BRPs
You cannot use BRPs for travel after 1 June 2025.
You might still use it temporarily (up to 18 months after expiry) to -
- prove your right to work or rent
- create a UKVI account
- apply to stay in the UK
What you should do
- create a UKVI account
- link your immigration status to your account
- use your eVisa to prove your rights in the UK