The UK government is preparing to introduce a compulsory digital identification system for all adults, marking one of the most significant shifts in British immigration and labour enforcement in decades. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to officially unveil the plan, dubbed the BritCard, within days, according to Sky News.
The BritCard will act as proof of the right to live and work in the UK, verified against a central government database to ensure authenticity. Designed to curb illegal immigration and limit access to the black economy, the system will be accessible both as a physical credential and via a secure smartphone application. Employers and landlords will be able to use it to quickly check the legal status of workers and tenants.
Authorities argue the scheme is necessary because physical documents remain vulnerable to forgery, making it easier for undocumented migrants to work illegally. A digital system, they claim, will close these loopholes. French President Emmanuel Macron has long warned that the UK’s lack of compulsory ID cards acts as a “pull factor” for migrants crossing the Channel, believing they can blend into informal labour markets.
The rollout will require new legislation following a public consultation. If passed, it would mark a fundamental break from past policy. The UK famously resisted national ID cards for years, with critics framing them as a threat to civil liberties. Civil rights groups are expected to challenge the proposal, warning it could expand state surveillance and undermine privacy protections.
The announcement follows the release of the government’s immigration White Paper in May 2025, which outlined sweeping reforms aimed at reducing reliance on foreign labour. Key measures include:
• Extending the residency requirement for permanent settlement from five to ten years.
• Raising the skill threshold for work visas to degree-level qualifications.
• Shortening the Graduate Route visa for international students from two years to 18 months.
• Introducing tighter English language rules for family visas.
• Limiting access to low-skilled jobs via a new Temporary Shortage List.
Together, the BritCard and broader reforms represent Labour’s attempt to balance economic needs with political pressure to control immigration. While the government insists the policy will strengthen enforcement and ease pressure on border controls, its success will hinge on public trust—particularly around data security and surveillance concerns.
If implemented, the BritCard would place the UK in line with many European nations that already use national ID systems, but it risks reigniting long-standing debates over the trade-off between security and individual freedom.
