United Kingdom Using Fingerprint Information In Visa Process

While biometrics continue the march toward mainstream acceptance, the United Kingdom is using fingerprint information from visa applicants to protect the country’s borders.

The information, along with a digital photo, is being collected by the government from foreigners applying for visas to enter the country. More than 100,000 sets of fingerprints per month are now being collected from applicants in 100 countries across the globe. The information collection is mandatory if the applicant wants to visit the country for work, education or tourism.

When fingerprints are taken, the information is checked against government records to see if the person is known to the country’s Border and Immigration Agency. So far, more than 8,000 sets of prints have been matched to individuals of concern.

“Biometric checks are essential to protect our borders,” said UK Immigration Minister Liam Byrne. “They allow us to screen each visa applicant before they are given the right to enter the United Kingdom, meaning tighter border controls and increased security. But it's not just abroad that these fingerprint records are used. Once these individuals are in the UK, Immigration Services use the same database for enforcement activity, such as illegal working operations.”

After starting in 2006, the government plans to roll out the biometric function to every foreign national applying for a British visa by April 2008.

And the program has already paid dividends to protecting the country, which has taken a priority after the London bus bombings in July 2006 and foiled car bombing attacks this summer.

Numerous applications have been denied thanks to the fingerprints. For example, a biometric check helped to identify a Pakistani passport holder who has previously traveled to the United Kingdom using a false identity and Afghanistan nationality. Because of the fingerprint check, the application was refused, and the person was not allowed to travel to the country.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

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