Identity Cards
08 December 2008
The first identity cards for foreign nationals living in the United Kingdom can now be applied for with each applicant having their fingerprints and an image of their face taken to lock them securely to one identity.
Foreign nationals in the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who successfully apply for an extension to stay on the basis of marriage, civil partnership, as a student or dependant will be issued an identity card. This is the first stage of the National Identity Scheme roll-out.
Enrolment identity card centres for foreign nationals are set to open in Cardiff, Glasgow, Northern Ireland, Sheffield, Solihull and Liverpool over the next few weeks, with the first ID cards being issued to those applying to remain in the UK as a student, or because they are married to a British citizen. This will then roll out to all new foreign nationals seeking work or for those who are looking to stay in the UK.
The aim of this is to help businesses crack down on illegal working. Plus providing a clearer process for UK business to check any individuals right to work and stay in the UK.
You are likely to see one of these cards if you are an employer or sponsor for foreign nationals and they may show you their card as proof of their identity and entitlement to be in the UK. It may also be used as a form of identification for opening a bank account for example. The identity card will provide reassurance that the holder is entitled to live, work, or study in the UK.
Ultimately, identity cards will be mandatory for all foreign nationals. Companies will be required to keep records of the immigrants they have sponsored - including their contact details and a copy of their identity card. All new foreign nationals and those extending their stay will have a card within three years. By 2015, about 90% of foreign nationals in the UK will have been issued with one.
It is your responsibility to check that your staff have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
The Home Office has produced a film, explaining how the ID cards will work for foreign nationals.
You can watch it on the Home Office YouTube channel.
You can also download the General Guidance here.