Digital ID cards soon?
Additionally, a new digital ID card system is also on the way. Announced this week, the card will be stored on mobile phones, similar to the NHS app. It will replace multiple documents — from utility bills to national insurance numbers — and become mandatory for applying for jobs, renting homes, or accessing public services.
Supporters argue digital IDs will streamline processes and cut fraud. Critics warn they could give the government too much monitoring power. For UAE expats moving to the UK, daily life — from renting a home to starting a job — will increasingly rely on digital verification.
Key takeaways for UAE expats
Higher costs: Budget carefully and negotiate support with employers.
Digital checks: Expect a more tech-driven system to prove your status daily.
Tougher settlement rules: Apply sooner under current terms if you plan to stay long-term.
Bottom line? The UK remains a top destination for work and study, but the rules are tightening. For UAE expats, expect higher costs, longer waits, and closer monitoring. Acting early — and seeking advice — could make all the difference in securing long-term status before the changes take hold.
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence.
Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.