The UK government is preparing to launch a compulsory digital identification system for all adults, aiming to curb illegal immigration, reduce Channel crossings, and shut down loopholes in the black economy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce it in the coming days. The card, which will be known as the BritCard, will serve as proof of the right to live and work in the UK.
Authorities say the system will make it easier for employers and landlords to confirm legal status, preventing undocumented migrants from accessing jobs or housing. Unlike paper documents, which can be forged, the BritCard will be verified against a central government database.
Officials believe this will provide stronger protection against fraud and help restore confidence in Britain’s immigration system.
The BritCard will also be accessible through a smartphone app, giving citizens a digital option for everyday verification. Supporters say the convenience of the app will make the system harder to bypass.
Why the UK is Pushing the BritCard
The push for a compulsory ID system comes amid growing concern over illegal migration. British officials argue that physical documents have long been exploited by forgers, making it easy for undocumented migrants to slip into jobs.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also pressured the UK on this issue. He has repeatedly warned that Britain’s lack of national ID cards acts as a “pull factor” for migrants crossing the Channel, who feel confident they can still find work in the black economy.
Labour peer Harriet Harman echoed the same point earlier this year, “the black economy and ID cards would make it more difficult for people to work illegally.”
By tightening checks, the government hopes to discourage irregular migration and ensure that only those with lawful status can access work and housing.
Part of a Bigger Immigration Overhaul
The BritCard is not a standalone policy. It forms part of a sweeping immigration reform unveiled by Prime Minister Starmer in May 2025, through a White Paper that reshaped the UK’s migration rules.
Among the reforms, permanent settlement will now require 10 years of continuous residency, up from 5 years. The Graduate Route visa for international students has been reduced from two years to 18 months, while new English language requirements have been extended to family dependents.
For work visas, the bar has been raised to degree-level qualifications. Companies are also expected to demonstrate they are investing in local skills before turning to foreign workers. A new “Temporary Shortage List” allows only limited recruitment for low-skilled jobs, strictly capped to prevent long-term dependence.
What to Expect Next
The BritCard rollout will require legislation, which means debates in parliament and public consultations. The government says it is confident of support, but civil liberties groups have already warned of fresh battles over privacy and surveillance.
The UK has a complicated history with ID cards. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair tried to introduce them in the early 2000s, but the plan collapsed after public backlash over state intrusion and restriction of privacy.
Critics are likely to raise similar concerns today, questioning how data will be stored and who can access it.
Still, at a time when migration dominates political debate, the government believes the balance between privacy and security must shift. “We must restore fairness and control to the system,” an official said.
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