‘It’s been too easy for people to come here’: UK to roll out Digital ID by 2029, says Starmer

London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will roll out a mandatory, free-of-charge digital ID scheme for all citizens and legal residents, aimed at tackling illegal working and improving identity verification processes across the country.

The new system, set to be in place by 2029, will be a prerequisite for legal employment in the UK. "You will not be allowed to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that," Starmer declared during his speech at the Global Progress Action Summit in London yesterday.

The digital ID, designed to be stored on smartphones, is part of the government’s broader agenda to modernise and streamline public services, taking cues from global examples such as India’s Aadhaar, which Starmer noted has helped the Indian government save billions by reducing fraud in welfare schemes.

In referencing global benchmarks of similar schemes, Downing Street pointed to India, where it noted how the Aadhaar cards have helped the government save "around 10 billion dollars annually by reducing fraud and leakages in welfare schemes”.

Ending shadow employment

Starmer took a firm stance on illegal migration, arguing that the Labour Party has historically been hesitant to confront the issue head-on.

“For too many years, it's been too easy for people to come here, slip into the shadow economy and remain here illegally. Because frankly, we've been squeamish about saying things that are clearly true,” he said.

He insisted that knowing who is in the country is vital for maintaining trust in the political system and ensuring that the immigration system remains fair and functional.

Security and inclusion at core

While the digital ID will be mandatory for the right to work, the government clarified that there will be no obligation to carry it at all times. It will function similarly to the NHS app or contactless payment systems, with features allowing for immediate revocation and reissue if a phone is lost or stolen.

Downing Street has promised “best-in-class” security, employing advanced encryption and biometric authentication. Each ID will include a person’s name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo, akin to a digital passport or eVisa. A consultation will explore whether to include further details such as residential addresses.

The government also confirmed that the system will be inclusive, with accessibility built into its design to support older people, the homeless, and those without smartphones. An outreach programme offering face-to-face support will accompany the rollout.

Cracking down on illegal work and forgery

Officials say the scheme will simplify employment checks, make it harder to forge documents, and disrupt criminal gangs facilitating illegal migration. The digital ID will join other modernisation efforts, including a planned digital driving licence.

“It will send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work, deterring people from making these dangerous journeys,” Downing Street added.

By selecting the best elements of existing systems in Estonia, Denmark, Australia, and India, the UK government hopes the digital ID will become a central pillar of identity verification and compliance in the years ahead.

The public consultation phase is expected to begin soon.