UK Immigrants to Provide Biometrics

28/04/2008 by Liam Clifford

Those who wish to remain in the UK with their British spouse or continue to study in the UK will now have to provide their Biometrics.

Trials for this are being launched in the Lunar House head quarters of the Home Office BIA.

This pilot scheme requires all Non-European Union nationals, who want to remain in the UK, to attend Lunar House in person where they will be subject to a Biometrics collection process.

The Home Office have introduced this as part of their "Securing our Boarders" drive as well as part of the managed Migration Programme. They will soon be rolling the scheme out to all people who wish to extend their leave to remain in the UK regardless of the reason. Also later this year plans for a face scanning system for E.U nationals will be launched at major ports.

A spokesperson for Global Visas, a leading authority on UK immigration law, said, "It is hard, at first, to recognise all the ways in which this data can be used. We are certain the true value will only become apparent, even to them, once the scheme is in place."

He adds that "It seems to be just part of a bigger drive to collect Biometric data from everyone the government comes into contact with. We are now finding many of our clients from around the UK, including students; have to go to Croydon. For students and people with small families and busy lives this can be quite a trip."

When the scheme is finally rolled out to highly skilled people who remain in the UK under the tier visa schemes; this provision will be even less welcomed.

Already a Russian opera singer cancelled his tour to the UK due to his Biometrics being too difficult to provide. He may be one of many who decide they would prefer to go elsewhere rather than be subjected to such tests.

It has also been reported that the idea of Biometric databases would create an opportunity for hackers and ID thieves.

Over the next few months the schemes will be rolled out across the UK for all non UK citizens. Foreigners will be made to make available the most personal of details to the UK Authorities.

Whether you are apposed to or not, people need to get used to the idea of Biometrics, as it is fast becoming a factor in all our lives.

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