The UK Government will now check passports on all passengers leaving the UK from seaports or airports. 

However, in an attempt to minimise any possible disruption most of the exit checks are being introduced gradually. For the first month all passports will be scanned but only 25 percent of the passport holders will have their details verified to ensure they are genuine. After a month, there will be a move to 50 percent verification and by the middle of June, 100 percent verification will be introduced.

The Home Office said the exit checks will improve the Government's understanding of who is leaving the UK and create a much clearer picture of who is staying in the country, in addition to helping police and security track the movements of known criminals and terrorists.