Biometric data checks to strengthen border security
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
In a major strengthening of Australia's border security, the Australian Government will invest $69 million over four years to introduce biometric checks for visa applications being processed in 10 countries.
The system is a significant new element in the Government's response to the global terrorism threat.
Under the new system, all people applying for a visa to Australia in any of the designated countries will be required to lodge their visa application and submit fingerprints and facial images at a visa application centre.
Biometric information uses measurable biological characteristics to establish a unique identity for a person. The data will be recorded and cross-checked to provide the Australian Government with information that can be used to confirm the true identity of visa applicants.
The Australian Government will be able to match the data to information about terrorists, criminals and other people of concern held in biometric databases by Australia and our international partners.
Australia already has biometric data-sharing agreements with the United Kingdom and Canada. The United States and New Zealand will join the data-sharing arrangement this year.
The new system will make it easier for immigration authorities to detect people trying to conceal their identity when they come to Australia and will reduce the risk of terrorists and other people of concern entering Australia undetected.
The program is being undertaken in collaboration with the UK Government, which has a similar scheme already in operation.
The 10 locations for the scheme have been selected on the basis of:
- national security and fraud risks
- locations where the Government can use British biometric collection centres, and
- broad geographic coverage of the scheme.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship already collects biometric data from all people in immigration detention, including irregular maritime arrivals and illegal foreign fishers. Protection visa applicants in Sydney and Melbourne are also 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.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2010/ce10015.htm
Last update: 23 February 2010 at 15:13 AEST