Keir Starmer's 'BritCards' plan torn apart as expert warns of glaring problem

Sir Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme, dubbed "BritCards," risks deterring skilled migrants and sparking chaos for the UK's 5.5 million foreign-born workers due to its "poorly thought out" rollout, an expert has warned. Simon Hood, executive director of John Mason International, said the plan's vague integration with existing e-visas could confuse employers and landlords, potentially locking legal migrants out of jobs and housing.

Mr Hood, who specialises in international relocations and global logistics, said: "My clients are worried that their e-visas won't be held in the same regard as BritCards by employers and landlords. I fear this idea has been rushed without consideration of the implications." The Britcard scheme, unveiled on Friday at the Global Progress Action Summit, will require all UK adults to hold free digital IDs in a GOV.UK wallet app, scanned against a central database to verify work or rental rights, aiming to curb illegal migration.

Speaking to the BBC, the Prime Minister claimed the scheme could "play an important part" in tackling illegal work.

However, Mr Hood, whose firm has fielded frantic client calls since the announcement, was unconvinced.

He said: "This scheme has been poorly communicated to residents in the UK given the implications.

"BritCards are apparently not mandatory for legal migrants, but they can apply for them anyway? What do landlords do if someone shows their e-visa?

"Is this enough evidential proof when they're asking for BritCards from everyone else?"

Urging clarity, he added: "The Government needs to be clear with people and allow them to transition to BritCards long before [e-visa] expiry."

Such confusion threatens the UK's appeal to skilled workers, vital for sectors like tech and healthcare.

Mr Hood said: "A poor rollout will definitely lead people to reconsider their position in the UK. We need to maintain a hospitable and attractive environment for skilled workers."

He warned of an economic hit, noting: "The economy is in particularly bad shape right now, and we need all the talent we can get."

Clients are eyeing moves to America, Australia, or Dubai, Mr Hood warned, adding: "I've had clients wonder whether the UK is truly the best place to forge their careers.

"Integration needs to be an absolute priority... I expect this integration point will be one of the biggest."

Mr Hood cited past failures like the NHS COVID-19 app's teething issues, warning: "We've seen the poor history of many British governments launching tech services to 'streamline' bureaucracy ending in chaos.

"The government should abolish this confusing dual system for legal migrants and make BritCards mandatory for all those with legal Right to Work status in the UK, with a transition period."

Mr Hood cautioned: "It's a signal that Britain is becoming a harder place to relocate to for skilled workers."

To rebuild trust, he urged: "The government needs to start openly communicating about how this scheme is going to affect different settings like housing, education, and work itself rather than tagging a BritCard after e-visa expiration.

"Providing dedicated support would be the first step in clarifying what this scheme actually means, or they'll simply relocate to other countries using services like mine."

The scheme has drawn wider fire. A Big Brother Watch petition, exceeding 510,000 signatures, demands its scrapping, reviving privacy fears from the axed 2010 ID scheme.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called it a "desperate gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats" while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage branded it a "cynical ploy." The EU's digital ID, targeting 80% adoption by 2030, contrasts with the UK's vague 2029 goal.