The government estimates 50,000 will have been issued by next March and that 90 percent of foreign nationals will have cards by 2014/15. WHEN WILL THEY COME IN? - The first cards will be issued to foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) from November 2008, starting with foreign students and marriage applicants. At the moment 24 out of 27 EU members states have an ID card system. There will be no requirement to carry the card at all times and ID checks can only be carried out with the bearer’s consent, unless it is a police, customs or security service request. The cards will make life “simpler” in the modern world. Employers will be able to use them to check whether foreign nationals are entitled to work in Britain. They will defend against serious crime and terrorism, where the use of false identities plays an increasing role. WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT SAY ID CARDS ARE NEEDED? - The cards will protect the country from illegal immigration and stop foreign nationals working illegally. LONDON (Reuters) - Home Secretary Jacqui Smith unveiled the country’s new biometric ID card on Thursday which some foreign nationals will be issued with from November, before the scheme is rolled out to Britons from next year.
