A government system to vet immigration applications from EU citizens who wish to stay in Britain after Brexit was hit by technical problems as it launched on Saturday.
Dozens of people shared their frustration on social media after the EU Settlement Scheme website and app struggled to cope amid a seven-figure publicity blitz.
Screenshots of error messages were posted by some people on Twitter, while others reported the system did not load at all.
One message read: “Access denied.”
PhD student David Sünderhauf told HuffPost UK that repeated attempts to get around error messages proved fruitless.
“I’ve tried multiple browsers and deleting my cookies but nothing works,” Sünderhauf, 23, said. “I’ve been unable to log in again and am faced with the ‘access denied’ error message every time.”
Another applicant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “I would say the process is relatively simple for someone who is apt with computers.
“However even then there are numerous internal server errors as well the website mentioning it is a trial, it has me quite worried.”
They added that error messages and blank screens kept popping up. “My father panicked as it was red message and he was quite worried something had gone wrong. I had to call the helpline to reassure him,” they said.
The scheme was intended to fully launch on Saturday after a “beta” trial phase.
Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes heralded the scheme, which had previously been tested by more than 200,000 people, as an important step in securing the rights of the over three million EU citizens in Britain.
She said: “I am incredibly proud that our free EU Settlement Scheme launches today because it means that millions of EU citizens living in the UK, who are our friends, family and have made this country their home, can stay regardless of the UK’s relationship with the EU.
“My message to all EU citizens is that this is a simple and straightforward process and some of the personal experiences I’ve heard have been from EU citizens who received status in a matter of hours.
“Our nationwide marketing campaign is up and running, hundreds of thousands of people are receiving updates via email and up to £9m has been set aside to ensure the vulnerable are assisted with getting the status they are entitled to receive.”
HuffPost UK reported earlier how gaps in the EU Settled Status scheme could mean vulnerable people go “undocumented”.
The system had previously been criticised for demanding users download an app to Android smartphones.
And Theresa May was forced into a u-turn over application fees.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The EU Settlement Scheme is live and performing well this morning and we’ve received thousands of applications so far.
“We are seeing a high volume of people on the site today, but there is plenty of time for EU citizens to make an application and there is extra support available for those who need it, including through our Settlement Resolution Centre.”