September 25

September 25, 2008: ID Cards Update

The Home Office has now unveiled the identity cards which will be issued to foreign residents in the UK. The first cards are scheduled to be issued on November 25th, 2008. Within three years all foreign nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK will be required to have a card. By 2014, 90% of foreign residents in Britain should have identity cards.

The plastic wallet cards show the holder’s photograph, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status. A secure electronic chip holds their biometric details, including fingerprints, and a digital facial image.

Example of what a foreign ID card will look like.

The introduction of national identity cards for foreign residents will be followed by the first ID cards for British citizens, targeting workers in sensitive roles - such as airports - from 2009. Then from 2010 ID cards will be available to young people who want them.

From 2011, cards will be available to the general population.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the announcement of the cards for foreign residents shows the government is fulfilling its commitment to protect identity. She added:

'ID cards will help protect against identity fraud and 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,' she said.

'ID cards for foreign nationals will replace old-fashioned paper documents, make it easier for employers and sponsors to check entitlement to work and study, and for the UK Border Agency to verify someone’s identity. This will provide identity protection to the many here legally who contribute to the prosperity of the UK, while helping prevent abuse.'

The Home Office states that the cards build on the successful delivery of other work already done to strengthen the UK's borders. This includes: