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- Biometric data
collection for visa applicants
The British Government is introducing biometric data collection
(finger scans and digital photographs) as part of a world-wide
biometric identification process, designed to protect an individual's
identity, facilitate future entry to the UK, combat visa fraud
and abuse of the UK's immigration and asylum systems. By the end
of 2007 all visa applicants, will be required to supply 10 digit
finger scans and a digital photograph when applying for a UK visa.
Unless otherwise advised, all visa applicants, irrespective of
nationality, will have to apply in person to one of the UK Visa
Application Centres and have their finger scans and digital photograph
taken. These finger scans and photographs are your biometric data.
Applications cannot be processed if an applicant refuses, or cannot
provide, acceptable biometric data.
- Why is bio-metric data required?
We live in a constantly changing world. More travellers,
greater mobility, new security threats and new technologies
mean we must find new ways of working which keep us
all secure but which also benefit customers.
Identity theft is a major and growing problem globally.
It helps terrorism and organised crime, and undermines
national economies. To protect the integrity of the
visa system and to protect our customers, we want to
ask every visa applicant around the world to enrol their
fingerprints digitally, and to have a digital photograph
taken, when they make a visa application.
We are not alone in doing this. Biometrics are becoming
the industry standard for identity management. Very
soon, we will be able to withdraw money from our bank
accounts using finger scans or iris scans. Increasingly,
all passports will have a unique biometric identifier,
whether this is finger scans or an iris scan or a digital
photograph. The USA already takes digital photographs
and fingerprints for all visa applicants and all EU
countries will be introducing finger scan biometrics
into their visas. Biometrics is the next natural step
in a progression of identifiers from signatures to photographs.
- What does it mean for visa applicants?
The immediate impact is that, whereas applicants
were previously able to apply for a visa through a travel
agent without having to come to a visa section, we will
be asking them to come to the offices of the nearest
Visa Application Centre to take their finger scans and
digital photograph.
- How do you take my data and how long will it take?
Enrolment will simply mean presenting fingers on
a glass screen, plus having a digital photograph taken;
no ink, no chemicals, no mess; it will take less than
five minutes to complete.
- What are the benefits to visa applicants?
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It helps protect applicants and their family
from identity theft. |
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It helps keep visa applicants and their family
safe from crime and terrorism through ensuring
that we can make travelling to, and being in the
UK more secure; |
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Visa applicants won't be accidentally mistaken
for another person with the same or similar name.
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In the longer term, applicants' biometric data
will be used to facilitate fast passage through
automatic gates of entry at UK ports and airports.
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- I am a regular visitor to the UK. Will I have to
give my biometric data each time I apply for a visa?
Yes, each time you apply for a UK visa you will
need to have your fingers scanned and photograph taken.
If you are a regular traveller you may wish to consider
applying for a longer term (2, 5 or 10 year) visa.
- Will there be an extra charge for providing my
biometric data?
No, we will not charge you for providing your finger
scans and photograph.
- Will I be able to provide my finger scans if any
of my fingers are missing, injured or decorated?
If any of your fingers are missing, you can still
provide scans of your remaining fingers. We will make
a note of this.
If you have cut or damaged your fingertips, or you have
applied any form of temporary decoration (for example,
henna) you will not be able to provide your finger scans.
You should apply when the injury has healed or the temporary
decoration has faded.
- What will happen if I refuse to have my fingers
scanned or my photograph taken?
We will not accept your visa application. We will only
accept and process this when you have provided your
completed application form (with supporting documents),
the visa fee, your finger scans and a digital photo.
- Will my children need to have their fingers scanned
and photos taken?
If your children are aged five or over, they will need
to have their fingers scanned and photo taken. If your
children are aged between five and sixteen years of
age, a responsible adult must accompany them while their
finger scans are taken. Children under five will not
have to provide their finger scans but we will need
to have a digital photograph taken of them at the Visa
application Centre.
- What will happen if my religious beliefs do not
allow me to have my fingers scanned or my photograph
taken?
We do not believe that finger scanning or taking of
photographs conflicts with any religious practices or
beliefs.
- What will you do with the information?
The biometric data will be stored on a central government
database in the UK and checked against UK government
records. It will be handled in accordance with the UK's
strict data protection laws.
- Who has access to my biometric data?
We will treat all biometric data we collect from you
in confidence. Unauthorised persons will not be able
to access your biometric data and the data will not
be used inappropriately.
Foreign Governments or organisations do not have open
access to the biometric data that we collect from you.
We may share your biometric data with foreign Governments
and organisations, but only in accordance with all relevant
UK legislation, including the Data Protection Act (DPA)
1998. They must make a request for the data to the UK
Government, and the UK Government will only share your
data if this complies with the DPA and other relevant
legislation.
- How long will you keep my biometric data?
We will keep your biometric data for ten years from
the date that we took your finger scans and digital
photo. After ten years, your data will be destroyed.
- Is the equipment you use to collect my finger
scans safe?
Yes. The machine we use to collect finger scans complies
with all relevant UK and international safety standards.
The machine does not use ink, liquids or chemicals.
- Can I pick up germs from the machine?
No. You are no more likely to pick up germs from the
machine than from any daily contact you may have with
any surface, for example, a door handle or counter top.
- Are there restrictions on what I can wear for
the digital photograph?
Yes. Your face must be clearly visible. You will not
be able to wear anything that obscures your face.
- What if I have an injury on my face?
If you have cuts, bruises, or a temporary swelling on
your face, we cannot take your photograph. You should
apply when the cuts and bruises have healed or the swelling
has completely gone.
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