The ID will carry the holder’s photograph, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status, among others. An important feature of the card is a sealed electronic chip for protection against forgery. It secures the holder’s biometric details, including fingerprints and a digital face image.

First to be covered by the scheme are non-EU students and marriage visa holders or those married to British citizens from non-EU countries.

The Philippine Embassy in UK supports the scheme and believes it will protect Filipinos who have the right to remain in the UK.

"What is very positive about this is the fact that there would be protection for legitimate citizens of the country and this is being done in the US and in other countries and the success of its implementation is shown by the fact that most establishments require production of ID photos," said Philippine ambassador to the UK Edgardo Espiritu.

Espiritu looks at the biometric ID in a positive light adding that it will not discriminate against non-citizens of the country.

"As long as you have the ID, you can transact with any establishment. Although there is a psychological fear that it might be used against you. But remember, it will only be used against those who have violated the law and the rules of the country where they are. I think this will help us. I am not against it. In fact, I believe it will ensure more protection," Espiritu said.

The scheme is still seeking public acceptance in the UK. Many Britons are against the implementation of the national ID system. They also fear the decision to implement the biometric cards for foreigners before bringing them in for British citizens may cause racial backlash.

The scheme also earns various reactions from Filipinos who will be amongst the first to be affected by it.

"That’s like discrimination to all Asian people living in the UK or other non-European people living in the UK. I am against it," said Daniel Caalaman, a student in the UK.

Another student, Rachel Caparos said: "Ang dami na kasing nangyayari ngayon dito sa UK, like terrorism. Kung ma-identify nila yung tao agad okay lang. Kung wala ka namang ginagawang masama, di ba? So why not."

In 2009, the biometric ID will be issued to airport employees and in the next 5-10 years, the plan for the roll- out to the rest of the population. Amidst privacy issues in the UK, the scheme does not sit well with many Britons.

"I prefer to have it done in voluntary basis not to be forced to do it because if they know everything about you I don’t think that’s right", said Peter Hughes, a British National.

His Filipino wife, who now holds a British passport, has mixed feelings on the scheme.

"For me, 30% is no, at the same time, 70 per cent I will agree with. It’s also very intimidating that the government can access your biometric details,’ said Priscilla Hughes.

But Filipinos who have experienced ID cards in other countries support the implementation of the biometric ID.

Salem Ravina, who used to work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, said: "Sa experience ko sa Hong Kong maganda kasi hindi na kailangang dalhin parati ang ating passport. So, sa lahat ng application natin, yun ang magpapatunay na tayo ay legal dito sa London."

Nannette Pocock is also in favor of the scheme.

"Para sa akin okay siya kasi mapo-proteksyunan ‘yong legally may kaparapatan na tumira dito," she said. Pocock once held a marriage visa and is now a British citizen.

Faced with various criticisms on the scheme, the Home Office insists it will help protect against identity fraud and abuse of the UK system.

Diverse reactions