Can digital ID be an effective tool for Government – session examines eVisas and employment checks
The Home Affairs Committee continues its inquiry into digital forms of identification with a session examining its practical applications for right to work checks and eVisas.
Meeting details
The Government has announced that it no longer intends to make digital ID compulsory for right to work checks. However, the Government is still planning to make digital right to work checks mandatory by the end of the Parliament. Digital right to work checks are currently in place for non-UK citizens with eVisas, and employers can also use digital right work checks for UK and Irish citizens by partnering with a digital identity provider.
Home Office research suggests the rules around employment checks are poorly understood. A recent survey found 80% of employers answered at least one question around compliance incorrectly. With 70% of employers in the construction sector wrongly believed a driving licence was a valid for conducting checks.
The Committee will examine the current approach businesses take to carrying out checks and investigate if digital ID would make it easier for employers. With the Government abandoning plans to make digital ID mandatory for employment, the session will also examine how best such checks can operate in the future.
The session will also explore the roll-out of eVisas. Since 2024 the Government has implemented a digital system for immigration documents, with an estimated 4.5 million people creating eVisa accounts by July 2025. The Committee will examine how effective the roll-out has been and whether any lessons can be learnt for future digital ID projects.