UK To Issue Foreigners With ID Cards
(British Home Office)
The British Government will start issuing identity cards to Pacific Islanders or any foreign national living in the United Kingdom from next month, reveals the British Home Office.
The new credit-card-sized document will show the holder’s photograph, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status. A secure electronic chip will also hold their biometric details, including fingerprints, and a digital facial image.
Britain’s Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the cards will help protect against identity fraud, illegal working, reduce the use of multiple identities in organised crime and terrorism, crack down on those trying to abuse positions of trust and make it easier for people to prove they are who they say they are.
“ID cards for foreign nationals will replace old-fashioned paper documents, make it easier for employers and sponsors to check entitlement to work and study, and for the UK Border Agency to verify someone’s identity.”
Foreign nationals will have to apply for their cards.
http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/first-id-card
