UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK To Introduce Identity Cards for Foreign Nationals

Thursday, 9 October 2008

The issue of identity cards for UK citizens has been a controversial topic in the UK since 2003 when David Blunkett announced proposals to introduce them. Whilst they are still the subject of much debate stemming from concerns about identity fraud and loss of privacy, identity cards will now initially be issued to foreign nationals from November 2008.

The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith explained that "ID cards will help protect against identity fraud, illegal working, reduce the use of multiple identities in organised crime and terrorism, crack down on those trying to abuse positions of trust and make it easier for people to prove they are who they say they are."

Whilst it may seem foreign nationals are the only ones affected, the scheme will also have ramifications for other parties. The identity card will bear the individuals photograph, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status. This will enable prospective employers and universities to determine whether the foreign national is entitled to study and/or work in the UK.

The identity card will also contain an electronic chip which will hold the biometric details of the foreign national, including fingerprints and a digital photograph of the individual. This will assist the UK Border Agency in their work verifying the identity of such individuals and should hopefully result in faster decisions.

The UK Border Agency hopes to utilise the benefits of the scheme by at first focusing on foreign nationals who are applying for leave to remain on the basis of marriage and also students. These categories are arguably most prone to abuse and the identity cards will ensure that this is prevented in future. Julian Gravatt, the Association of Colleges' Director of Funding and Development, said that educational establishments, for example, would "welcome any measures which facilitates the recruitment of genuine students to study in the UK and the economic benefits this brings."

Foreign nationals in selected visa categories will need to start applying for the cards from 25 November. It is expected that within 3 years anybody wishing to apply for leave to enter or remain in the UK will need to have an identity card. Initial estimations show that by 2014/2015, 90% of foreign nationals in the UK will have identity cards. Identity cards will follow for UK citizens after the cards are introduced to foreign nationals and will be available from 2011/2012.

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.