In a recent statement, the key milestones for combating illegal immigration through the introduction of the National Identity Scheme were outlined by the Government. A major part of this scheme is the controversial introduction of Identification Cards which will combine the cardholder's biometric data with their checked and confirmed identity details.

The ID card scheme is intended to provide a simple and extremely secure system of personal identification for everyone aged 16 or over who is legally resident in the United Kingdom for a specified period, likely to be three months or more. The cards will enable employers to check an individual's unique reference number against registered information about their identity to confirm their eligibility to work in the UK. The cards will be introduced over the next few years, becoming compulsory from 2010 for anyone renewing or obtaining a new UK passport.

In addition, biometric cards for foreign nationals will be implemented in 2008 with fingerprinting of visa nationals to be expanded to cover all visa-issuing posts by April 2008.