BIOMETRIC information will now be collected from asylum seekers in Australia under a new identity initiative, says the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans.
According to the federal government, visa applicants in Sydney and Melbourne — where the biggest caseloads are found — will be asked to provide a digital facial image and a scan of their fingerprints.
“Establishing the identity of non-citizens is a fundamental part of both visa assessment and border processing. Better identity management and the use of biometrics are crucial to keeping Australia’s borders secure and maintaining the integrity of our migration program,” Evans says.
“This initiative will improve our current processes for identity-checking and assessing people’s claims for protection under the Refugees Convention.”
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has already successfully rolled out biometrics collection of fingerprints and facial images from immigration detainees — including irregular maritime arrivals on Christmas Island — and illegal foreign fishers.
Facial images are also collected from all people sitting the citizenship test and as part of health assessments.
The federal government claims through data-sharing arrangements under the Five Countries Conference (FCC) processes, fingerprints collected through the protection visa process may also be checked against the biometric records of the United Kingdom, USA and Canada to determine if the person has an immigration record or has previously applied for protection in those countries.
“This is part of Australia’s ongoing cooperation with other countries such as the UK and Canada to strengthen international border and immigration management through the secure and confidential cross-checking of identity information,” Evan says.
Add a comment