Home Office announces new ID Cards for skilled migrants

Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced today that new identity cards would be issued as of next year for tens of thousands of immigrants. From the start of 2010, those skilled workers who renew their visas will automatically be issued with a new card. This applies to migrants who fall under the skilled category who live in the UK but are from outside the EU.

Post Offices have been called on to assist with the card rollout as the Home Office continues the push for proper business practices in hiring migrant workers. The new cards will make it easier and more efficient for employers to recruit staff. The Post Office will handle applications in 17 of its branches to aid the UK Border Agency, which has been the only place to apply at in the past. The Post Office will begin the new system from next month.

The new cards will display a range of details including a biometric facial image and fingerprint scan. The Home Office estimates that an additional 30,000 cards will be created next year for skilled migrants who reach the second tier of the points-based system of immigration rules. Presently, the ID cards are provided to marriage renewals and education visa renewals with some 90,000 having been issued since late last yuear.

Mr Johnson claimed that the ID card system would benefit not just businesses but also would-be employees who Johnson said would be able to have a great deal of peace of mind at knowing their rights to employment. The scheme will ultimately provide greater security across all areas of the skilled migrant workforce.