UK to Roll Out Free Digital ID to Tackle Illegal Migration

UK Government Plans ‘Brit Card’ Digital ID

The UK prime minister is set to announce a new plan on Friday that will introduce a digital ID card for every working adult in Britain. The initiative, known as the “Brit card,” is aimed at cracking down on illegal migration and ensuring only those with the right to live and work in the country can access jobs and housing.

How the Brit Card Would Work

The Brit card will be linked to a central database, which will be cross-referenced with tax records and payroll systems. This will allow employers and landlords to quickly verify whether their employees or tenants are legally entitled to work or reside in the UK. The card is also expected to reduce fraud and make enforcement easier for authorities.

Government’s Consultation Plans

Details on enforcement and penalties for misuse of the digital ID system have not yet been released. However, the government is expected to launch a consultation process to address practical challenges, including provisions for people without smartphones or access to digital technology.

Political Background and Policy Shift

The digital ID scheme was not part of Labour’s election manifesto last year. A similar plan had been proposed earlier by former Prime Minister Tony Blair but was rejected. Recently, however, ministers have expressed stronger support for the system, citing rising pressure to deal with illegal migration more effectively.

Support and Criticism

While some analysts and policy groups back the Brit card as a way to modernize immigration enforcement, opposition leaders and civil liberties groups warn of potential risks. Critics argue that the scheme could centralize sensitive personal data, increasing vulnerability to errors, system outages, and surveillance misuse.

5 Key Takeaways

🔹 UK to launch a new digital ID card called the Brit card for all working adults.
🔹 Card will verify right to live and work in the UK, linked to tax and payroll databases.
🔹 Consultation to address challenges, including access for people without smartphones.
🔹 Proposal marks a policy shift, despite Labour not including it in its manifesto.
🔹 Critics warn of risks like data centralization, surveillance, and system outages.