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RSS feedsAll UK visa applications across the world now include fingerprint biometrics, three months ahead of schedule, according to immigration minister Liam Byrne.
Prints from applicants from 133 countries are checked against government databases to prevent fraud and nearly 500 cases of identity swapping have already been found.
"The public wants stronger borders. They want us to shut down the causes of illegal immigration and hold newcomers to account, deporting rule breakers where necessary," said Byrne.
The scheme is part of the remit of the newly-created Border and Immigration Agency, which is also responsible for the national biometric ID card plan.
The first cards for UK citizens are due to be issued at the end of the 2009. But under new targets announced today, a programme of compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals wanting to stay in the country will start within three months.
See also:
Scheme will move ahead, with future parliamentary vote to make it compulsory, says Brown 09 Jan 2008
Home Office's latest update on controversial programme reflects unexpected savings 09 Nov 2007
A replacement fingerprint system is first on the agenda 25 Oct 2007
Eight suppliers will go through the next stage of the procurement 19 Oct 2007
£2bn of deals will go through the framework contracts now in procurement 17 Sep 2007
And more than 8000 have been turned back thanks to biometrics, says the government 14 Sep 2007Up to £2bn-worth of business will go through the planned framework deals 09 Aug 2007All Public Sector ITTags: Government, ID
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