The UK government has announced plans to introduce a national digital ID scheme that will be mandatory for adults to work in Britain by July 2029. The digital ID will be stored on mobile phones through the GOV.UK wallet app currently in development. This is part of the government’s effort to stop illegal migrant workers from working in the UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the digital ID will make it harder to work illegally in the country and help make UK borders more secure. He also mentioned that ordinary citizens will benefit by being able to prove their identity quickly for services, without needing paper documents like utility bills.
The scheme still needs parliamentary approval and will undergo public consultation later this year to gather feedback on how it will work. Some civil rights groups have raised privacy concerns, warning it could lead to mass surveillance and a “papers, please” style society. Over 830,000 people have signed a petition opposing the plan.
Currently, the UK does not require citizens to carry any ID cards or proof of identity regularly. The new digital IDs aim to provide an easy, digital way to prove residency and work rights. Similar digital ID programs are planned across the EU for easier access to digital services.
The government’s focus on digital ID comes amid increased public concern over immigration and pressure from political parties pushing for stricter immigration controls.