COMMENT | As the United Kingdom rolls out a new digital identity scheme to streamline access to services and control illegal immigration, the question arises whether such a system can be adapted to manage immigration more effectively in Malaysia.

The UK’s initiative involves issuing secure digital IDs that will serve as proof of identity and legal residency, particularly for right-to-work checks. This system aims to curb illegal employment, reduce administrative inefficiencies, and enhance security.

While the UK emphasises the benefits of a centralised digital identity infrastructure, implementing a similar scheme in Malaysia requires careful consideration of legal, administrative, technical, political, and human rights implications.

Malaysia faces persistent challenges related to undocumented immigrants, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic work. The current system relies heavily on physical documents, multiple enforcement agencies, and often opaque regularisation programmes.

A digital ID system, if designed correctly, could address...