National Identity Cards

Identity Cards For Foreign Nationals

December 2008
 
Within three years all foreign nationals applying for leave to enter or remain in the UK will be required to have a card, with around 90% of foreign nationals in Britain covered by the scheme by 2014/15.

From 2009, the scheme will be extended to UK citizens. The first ID cards will be issued to people working in specific sensitive roles or locations where verification of identity will enhance the protection of the public. This will start in the second half of 2009, with the issuing of identity cards to those working airside in the country's airports.

The first ID cards are being issued to people making applications to remain in the United Kingdom as a student or based on marriage and will be followed by identity cards for British workers in sensitive roles and locations in 2009 and to young people in 2010.

The biometric (facial image and fingerprints) cards will help the reduction of identity fraud which is faced by all nationalities.

Starting in Croydon, the first identity cards will be issued to people making applications to remain in the United Kingdom as a student or based on marriage. All new foreign nationals and those extending their stay will have a card within three years. It is estimated that by the end of 2014/15 about 90 per cent of all foreign nationals will have been issued with one.

Identity cards will be mandatory. and over time will replace paper documents. Enrolment identity card centres for foreign nationals are open in Cardiff, Glasgow, Northern Ireland, Sheffield, Solihull and Liverpool.

Further Information

• Students and their dependants (using application form FLR(S)
• Husbands, wives, civil partners, or unmarried or same-sex partners of permanent residents, and the applicant's dependants (using application form FLR(M)
• UK Border Agency: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Employers can verify if presented cards are valid. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/preventingillegalworking/checkingidcards/

UK Border Agency card verification helpline tel: 0300 123 4699.

If you find a card that does not belong to you, send it to:

Returns Unit
Freepost RRYX-GLYU-GXHZ
PO Box 163
Bristol
BS20 1AB

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