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UK Border Agency prepares to speed up the roll-out of identity cards
04 November 2009
According to the most recent figures published by UK Border Agency the initial quota of 75,000 cards issued to a foreign nationals by November 2009 has been exceeded. More than 100,000 identity cards have been issued since the implementation of the scheme which was initially open exclusively to students and spouses.
The Home Secretary recently decided to expedite the roll out process for Tier 2/ applicants, as a result, the scheme will be implemented earlier than initially planned. If the parliament approves proposed regulations from 6 January 2010 migrants from outside the European Economic Area will be issued with identity cards when they extend their permission to stay for more than six months under Tier 2/ of the points-based system. As part of the application process migrants will need to enroll their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Furthermore, the UKBA recommends bringing forward the introduction of the identity cards for and , from spring 2011 to the end of 2010.
So far the UKBA has facilitated the biometrics enrollment at their offices as well as at four passport interview offices. There will be arrangements in place with the Post Office to offer a walk-in service at selected branches.
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