- Insights
Expired BRPs are extending the end date from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025.
Expired BRPs are extending the end date from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
According to statistics released by the UK Home Office, over 4 million UK visa holders have successfully created accounts and obtained their electronic visas (eVisas). However, an estimated 600,000 people have yet to complete the transition from physical cards to electronic visas.
To support a smooth transition to eVisas and ensure that no one faces issues due to system or other failures, the Home Office has decided to extend the previously announced grace period (announced in December 2024). The expiry date for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards and EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) has been extended from March 31, 2025, to June 1, 2025.
This means that individuals holding BRP cards or EUSS BRCs that expire on December 31, 2024, but who still have valid immigration status, can continue using their expired cards for international travel until June 1, 2025 (inclusive).
From June 2, 2025, expired BRP and EUSS BRC cards will no longer be accepted as proof of immigration status when entering the UK.
For those holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—also known as permanent residence—who still use a stamp or visa sticker in their passport as proof of their status, these documents will remain valid for use, including for international travel. However, the Home Office encourages all individuals to register for an eVisa to benefit from its convenience.
As a key part of the Plan for Change, eVisas are designed to create a more digital and efficient border and immigration system. This transition aims to improve user experience while enhancing security and operational efficiency.
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Affairs, Seema Malhotra MP, stated:
“The registration data for eVisas shows that the vast majority of eligible individuals have already completed the process. We have now decided to extend the validity of physical cards until June this year to further ensure a smooth transition to eVisas.”
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Energy bills to rise even more than expected after third straight price cap hike
The UK energy regulator Ofgem has announced that the energy price cap will increase again by 6.4% from April 2024, marking the third consecutive rise. This adjustment means that millions of households will face higher energy costs amid ongoing inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
Although energy bills for many UK households will rise further, the increase is slightly lower than some predictions. Earlier forecasts suggested a rise of up to 7%, while Cornwall Insight predicted a 5% increase last week. Under the new cap, the annual energy price limit will be set at £1,849 from April, adding £9.25 per month to the average household bill.
As the UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem sets the maximum charges for household energy bills through the price cap, ensuring that consumers are not overcharged for gas and electricity.
On January 1, 2025, the energy price cap increased by approximately 1% to £1,738 per year. This cap is reviewed every three months and applies to standard or default variable tariffs paid via direct debit. Households on prepayment meters or other payment methods may have slightly different price caps.
EDF Energy predicts that the UK energy price cap could rise again by 1% to 3% in July and October 2025, though these increases are expected to be relatively small. Prices are forecasted to stabilize by January 2026.
The adjustments to the price cap mainly reflect changes in energy production and supply costs, with energy companies adjusting charges based on market conditions to maintain a stable supply chain. While future increases may be more moderate, UK households should continue monitoring their energy bills and consider energy-saving measures to reduce costs. More details are expected to be announced in the coming days, and the government or relevant agencies may introduce additional support measures to help affected households.
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The banking sector is “investing heavily” in digital platforms
Several institutions representing the UK banking industry have announced increased investment in digital platforms following recent payday system failures, which caused widespread customer disruption.
On Friday, February 28, millions of users from banks including Lloyds, Halifax, Nationwide, TSB, Bank of Scotland, and First Direct experienced various issues, ranging from slow app and online banking performance to complete account inaccessibility. This incident has reinforced the urgency for banks to accelerate their digital transformation to enhance platform stability and user experience.
This marks the second consecutive month that payday-related issues have occurred, though the exact cause has yet to be disclosed.
The disruption has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities of digital banking systems during high-demand periods, where customers are more likely to face transaction delays and account access problems. Banks and financial institutions are now under increased pressure to invest in their technology infrastructure to better handle such challenges in the future and improve overall customer experience.
At the same time, UK banks are facing mounting criticism over digital platform failures, especially as they continue to cut back on branch services—a trend that has led to growing customer dissatisfaction.
Since the 2008 financial crisis, major UK banks have been closing branches, initially as a cost-cutting measure. According to consumer group Which?, over 6,200 bank branches have shut down since 2015, raising concerns over whether banking services remain accessible and convenient for the public.
