The UK government announced on Friday that it will introduce a compulsory digital identity system for British citizens and residents beginning new employment, a step aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
“This will make it harder for people to work unlawfully in Britain and strengthen border security,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement confirming the plan.
Immigration remains one of the leading public concerns in Britain, with Starmer under mounting pressure to halt illegal crossings, particularly by migrants travelling in small boats from France.
Under the initiative, each individual’s digital ID will be stored on their mobile phone and form part of the standard verification process that employers must carry out when hiring staff. Over time, the digital ID is also expected to be used to access childcare, welfare benefits, and tax records.
While the government argues the scheme will deter illegal work and streamline services, critics warn it could pose risks to privacy and civil liberties. Opposition parties say the plan may have little effect on stopping migrant arrivals.
Attempts to introduce identity cards in the UK are not new. Tony Blair’s Labour government proposed a similar initiative in the 2000s, but the scheme was abandoned by his successor Gordon Brown after widespread opposition.
Since the abolition of identity cards after World War II, Britons have relied on documents such as passports and driving licences to verify their identity.