UK to introduce ‘digital by default’ immigration system by 2025, launch eVisas
The UK is transitioning to a digital immigration system by 2025, introducing eVisas for enhanced security and convenience. India remains a top recipient of UK visas, with streamlined processing and biometric enrolment at visa application centres....
By ET Online |
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The UK is moving towards a “digital by default” immigration system by 2025 and will introduce eVisas. It remains uncertain when this will be launched in India. The eVisa is expected to provide enhanced security and convenience for travelers, eliminating the need to wait for or collect a physical document after a visa decision is made.
Britain continues to issue the maximum number of visas to Indians, a trend that has been seen post Covid. British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said Tuesday “Indian nationals were the largest group to receive UK visas for visit, study and work categories in the year ending June 2024.”
To speed up the processing time for costly UK visas in India — with fees ranging from Rs 13,308 for a six-month visa to over Rs 1.1 lakh for a 10-year visa, plus an optional GBP 500 for priority service to receive a decision within five working days — biometrics will now be collected first, followed by document scanning for non-digital customers at VFS UK visa application centres.
The UK levies same visa application fees across the world. The fee quantum is for reducing the burden on UK taxpayers and ensuring it does not place a burden on vital public services in the UK, while giving a decent experience to applicants, said an official.
Matt Heath, visits & ETA network deputy director, UK Visas and Immigration, said: “Looking ahead, the UK government is moving towards a 'digital by default' immigration system by 2025, introducing eVisas to enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the security and efficiency of our immigration system. While we're excited about these innovations, we're also committed to ensuring the safety and security of all visa applicants. I urge everyone to stay vigilant against visa fraud. Remember, UKVI will never contact you through social media, ask for payment by email or into a personal bank account, or guarantee visa offers in exchange for payment to third parties.”
UK processed close to a million visa applications for Indian nationals in the year ending June 2024. “For the last two years, UKVI has consistently met our customer service standards, making visa decisions for visit, work or study routes within 15 working days for standard applications, 5 working days for priority applications, and an impressive 1 working day for super priority applicants. VFS consistently offer biometric appointments for UK visa applicants within 5 working days. In fact, the current waiting time is a mere 1 to 2 working days.… UKVI does not cap appointments at the front end. We consistently have appointments available for customers at our visa application centres, ensuring flexibility and convenience for all applicants,” Heath said.
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10 iconic foods that you must try on your next trip to the UK
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British cuisine is a key element that commands attention. Renowned for its range of traditional dishes, it provides a genuinely enjoyable experience. The evolution of British culinary traditions has significantly influenced the food industry, establishing new benchmarks. Classic dishes such as fish and chips, Sunday roast, English breakfast, and shepherd's pie are highly valued for their distinctive flavors.
British cuisine is a key element that commands attention. Renowned for its range of traditional dishes, it provides a genuinely enjoyable experience. The evolution of British culinary traditions has ..
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Fish and chips is a quintessential British dish renowned for its comforting simplicity and iconic status. This beloved meal features crispy, golden-battered fish, often cod or haddock, paired with thick-cut, perfectly fried potato chips. Originating in the UK in the 19th century, it quickly became a staple of British cuisine, celebrated for its satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Traditionally served with a side of mushy peas and a splash of malt vinegar or a dollop of tartar sauce, fish and chips embodies the essence of British comfort food and remains a popular choice across the country, from bustling city streets to quaint seaside towns.
Fish and chips is a quintessential British dish renowned for its comforting simplicity and iconic status. This beloved meal features crispy, golden-battered fish, often cod or haddock, paired with th..
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The English breakfast, often regarded as a hearty and satisfying start to the day, is a classic British meal that showcases a variety of traditional ingredients. This substantial breakfast typically includes crispy bacon, succulent sausages, eggs cooked to order, grilled tomatoes, and baked beans. It is often accompanied by black pudding, hash browns, and toast or fried bread. Served with a pot of strong English tea or a cup of coffee, the English breakfast is celebrated for its rich flavors and generous portions, making it a staple of British cuisine and a beloved ritual for many.
The English breakfast, often regarded as a hearty and satisfying start to the day, is a classic British meal that showcases a variety of traditional ingredients. This substantial breakfast typically ..
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This indulgent treat typically features layers of sponge cake (often soaked in sherry or fruit juice), juicy fruits, creamy custard, and a topping of whipped cream. The dessert is often garnished with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings, adding to its visual appeal. Trifle’s origins date back to the 16th century, and it has evolved into a beloved staple of British festive celebrations and family gatherings
This indulgent treat typically features layers of sponge cake (often soaked in sherry or fruit juice), juicy fruits, creamy custard, and a topping of whipped cream. The dessert is often garnished w..
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Cottage pie is a classic British comfort food that should be on every tourist’s list when visiting the UK. Cottage pie features a savory filling of ground meat cooked with onions, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a rich gravy. This hearty mixture is topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Cottage pie is a classic British comfort food that should be on every tourist’s list when visiting the UK. Cottage pie features a savory filling of ground meat cooked with onions, carrots, and peas, ..
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Treacle tart is a classic British dessert that showcases a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This traditional tart features a rich filling made from golden syrup (a type of thick, golden sugar syrup), breadcrumbs, and a touch of lemon zest, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry shell. The result is a deliciously sticky, sweet treat with a pleasantly chewy texture and a hint of citrus brightness. Treacle tart, often enjoyed warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offers a comforting taste of British baking heritage and is a popular choice for those seeking a quintessentially British dessert experience.
Treacle tart is a classic British dessert that showcases a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This traditional tart features a rich filling made from golden syrup (a type of thick, golden sugar..
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Tourists in the UK should definitely try Shepherd’s pie to experience a true slice of British culinary tradition. This classic dish, with its hearty blend of meat, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, offers a comforting and flavorful taste of British home cooking. Originating as a way to use up leftovers and provide a satisfying meal, Shepherd’s pie is not only a delicious and filling option but also a reflection of the UK's rich culinary heritage.
Tourists in the UK should definitely try Shepherd’s pie to experience a true slice of British culinary tradition. This classic dish, with its hearty blend of meat, vegetables, and a creamy mashed pot..
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This iconic dish usually features a perfectly roasted joint of meat accompanied by an array of side dishes including crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire pudding, and a medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. The meal is often complemented by rich, savory gravy made from the meat's drippings.
This iconic dish usually features a perfectly roasted joint of meat accompanied by an array of side dishes including crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire pudding, and a medley of seasonal vegetabl..
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Today, the Cornish pasty is celebrated for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, offering a delicious glimpse into British culinary tradition. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, it’s a quintessential taste of Cornwall and a must-try for anyone exploring British food.
Today, the Cornish pasty is celebrated for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, offering a delicious glimpse into British culinary tradition. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, it’s a quintessent..
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A staple in pubs and homes across the UK, Bangers and mash is a quintessential British dish that tourists should not miss. This beloved comfort food pairs juicy, flavorful sausages (or "bangers") with a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes ("mash"). Often accompanied by rich onion gravy and sometimes served with peas or other vegetables, this dish embodies the heartiness and straightforward appeal of traditional British cuisine.
A staple in pubs and homes across the UK, Bangers and mash is a quintessential British dish that tourists should not miss. This beloved comfort food pairs juicy, flavorful sausages (or "bangers") wit..