Government ID cards scheme to begin

12 April 2012

The first phase of the Government's Identity Card scheme is due to begin operating.

Some groups of foreign nationals looking to extend their stay in Britain will begin applying for the cards, which will be issued from later this week.

Groups suspected of trying to abuse the immigration system, such as those applying for student and marriage visas, will be the first card holders.

Within three years all new foreign workers will be issued with cards and ministers expect 90% coverage by 2014.

Applicants will have their fingerprints and photographs taken at six ID card centres in Croydon, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Between 50,000 and 60,000 cards will be issued by the end of March, ministers predict.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "In time identity cards for foreign nationals will replace paper documents and give employers a safe and secure way of checking a migrant's right to work and study in the UK."

The cards will store biometric information such as fingerprints and an electronic impression of the holder's face.

Their name, date of birth, nationality and details of their right to work and stay in the country will be printed on the face of the card.

Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "This is a gimmick but it is a gimmick with a price. While these 'ID cards' won't stop illegal immigration or terrorism, they will land the taxpayer with a multibillion-pound bill."

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