UK IMMIGRATION NEWS
Introduction of Identity cards to UK ImmigrantsTuesday, 9 September 2008 The UK Border Agency have announced that from 25 November 2008 they would begin to issue identity cards to foreign nationals applying for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom under certain categories. The identity cards for UK migrants will replace the existing stickers and other insecure UK immigration status documents which have been subject to fraud in the past. The stand-alone card will have a chip which holds a digitised photograph and fingerprints, alongside biographical information (for example name and date and place of birth). The card will also show details of the holder’s visa status and entitlements in the UK, for example what kind of leave they hold and whether they can work in the UK. This new information will help public agencies, employers and educational institutions more easily understand the migrant’s entitlements. The database will hold a record of the migrant’s biometrics so they can be checked in depth where necessary. From April 2009 the categories will be extended to business people, children of settled parents, as well as those on work permits and visitor visas. Refugees and people with the right to settle in Britain will issued with ID cards from April 2011. It is not likely to be compulsory to produce the foreign national ID card to apply for a job in public service until the scheme has been fully introduced. Under our current assumptions the UK Border Agency aims are to increase volumes as follows:
The first identity cards will be issued to migrants applying as:
Applications under these categories are made using application forms FLR(S) or FLR(M). 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. |












