Will UK Introduce Aadhaar For British Citizens? Here's What PM Starmer Is Planning

Last Updated:October 18, 2025, 14:41 IST

Keir Starmer recently praised the Aadhaar ID Card system as a "massive success" during his recent India visit, saying it could be a model for the UK's digital ID scheme.

British PM Keir Starmer recently praised India's Aadhaar card system.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently visited India, where he praised the Aadhaar ID Card system as a “massive success" and said it could serve as a reference point for Britain’s planned digital identity programme, called the “Brit Card", prompting a range of opinions.

During his two-day trip to Mumbai, Starmer met with key figures, including Infosys co-founder and UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani. He said a digital ID system like that of India’s can be rolled out in the United Kingdom as a voluntary measure that can be applied to school applications, mortgages and driving licences.

The Aadhaar system was introduced in India over 15 years ago to almost all of its 1.4 billion citizens. While Aadhaar collects biometric data to provide welfare and services, the ‘Brit Card’ is aimed at curbing illegal migration, even as it faces opposition over privacy concerns.

What Is UK’s Digital ID Scheme?

Last month, Starmer announced that digital identity cards will be mandatory to work in the country as part of efforts to tackle illegal migration. Digital IDs will become a mandatory method for verifying the right to work in the UK by the end of the current parliamentary term, which is expected to conclude by 2029 at the latest, according to the BBC.

The proposal comes against the backdrop of Britain’s long-running struggle with irregular migration. In recent years, thousands of people have attempted to enter the country in small boats across the Channel, the narrow stretch of sea that separates southern England from northern France.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Starmer said he hoped digital IDs, which have plummeted in popularity since his announcement, would regain public confidence because of the convenience they could provide, reported The Guardian. “I don’t know how many times the rest of you have had to look in the bottom drawer for three bills when you want to get your kids into school or apply for this or apply for that, drives me to frustration," he said.

Will UK Follow The Aadhaar Route?

Although the Aadhaar system has seen its share of controversies over data protection and service outreach, it is considered a success as it is believed to have saved the Indian economy crores in administrative and corruption costs. Hence, Starmer said India’s experience would offer valuable lessons for the UK as it develops its own digital ID framework.

However, there have been concerns that the Brit Card might resemble the Aadhaar too much. However, government sources told The Guardian that there was no intention to copy the system, but to examine the way it was used and implemented, handling 80 million transactions a day.

A UK government official said the British digital ID would not include biometric data and would prioritise “inclusivity and data protection." The system is expected to be focused only on employment, aimed primarily at deterring illegal working.

The far-right Reform UK has dismissed it as ineffective against small boat crossings. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said a mandatory scheme requires a “proper national debate," warning about costs and burdens for law-abiding citizens. The Liberal Democrats have pledged to fight the plan, branding it bureaucratic and expensive.

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