The United Kingdom government is planning to expand the use of live facial recognition technology to identify and track individuals who violate immigration rules.

The initiative, being developed by the Home Office, could see facial recognition cameras deployed at transport hubs and public events to identify visa overstayers, illegal entrants and individuals who breach their immigration conditions.

Policy documents published in October indicate that the proposed expansion could extend the technology to general immigration enforcement, including civil immigration violations that do not necessarily constitute criminal offences.

The move is part of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement through increased funding, additional personnel and expanded deportation operations.

The Home Office says the technology will help identify individuals facing deportation and those attempting to re-enter the country unlawfully. It could also reduce repeated enforcement visits to residential properties and workplaces.

Three trials were conducted at Holyhead Port in North Wales between November 2025 and February 2026, targeting individuals travelling from Ireland who were subject to deportation orders or wanted over immigration-related offences.

However, the proposed expansion has raised concerns among civil liberties and migrant rights organisations over privacy, mass surveillance and possible misidentification, particularly among people of colour.

The Home Secretary says the technology must be deployed fairly, safely and proportionately, adding that clear laws are needed to ensure responsible use and public confidence.

Meanwhile, the Home Office is considering further trials ahead of wider deployment. Individuals below the age of 18 will not be included on facial recognition watchlists.