UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK to implement Biometric visa systems

Monday, 24 September 2007

The UK is continuing its implementation of Biometric visa systems at entry clearance posts abroad. The latest order for almost 1,400 high-tech biometric scanners will go to visa processing units in other countries. The UK plans to collect biometric data about every visa applicant, in an attempt to tighten its borders and crack down on illegal immigration.

The new biometric scanners should be in operation around the world by the end of 2007.

The move towards biometric visa security comes at the same time as an increase in tourism visits to the United Kingdom. According to VisitBritain, the UK will see even more tourism in the coming years, and during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The biometric data collected from visitor and work visa applicants will include fingerprint scanning and electronic photo storage to prevent manipulation.