Australian Department of Immigration Commences Collection of Biometrics for Visa Applications
By Mark Webster2 December 2010 The Australian Department of Immigration has commenced a trial to collect biometric information for visa applications from certain countries. The reasons given for the introduction of biometrics are:
- Strengthening border protection
- Improving identity management
- Reducing immigration fraud
Collection of Biometrics
The biometrics must be collected in a specified location - these are all offices of the VFS Global Corporation. The biometrics to be collected include:- A facial image taken with a digital camera
- A 10-digit fingerprint scan taken through a digital scanner
Visa Applications Affected
Biometrics will be required to lodge a valid application in certain circumstances. Only paper-based applications will be affected - so if the visa application can be lodged online, biometrics will not be required. The nationality of the person applying is not relevant, but rather the country in which the application is lodged. The following types of visa application will require biometrics:- Partner visas
- Student visas
- Child and adoption visas
- Other family sponsorship including remaining relative, carer etc
- Visitor visas - including tourist, business visitor, work/holiday and medical treatment visas
- Temporary work visas such as 457, sport, media & film staff etc
Countries Affected
A legislative instrument has been issued specifying the places where biometrics must be collected, and the countries involved in the trial will be:- Bangladesh
- Zimbabwe
- United Arab Emirates
- Kingdom of Bahrain
- Sultanate of Oman
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Exemptions
There is a long list of exemptions to collection of biometrics, including:- People aged under 15
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- NZ citizens
- APEC Business Travel Card holders
- Sovereigns and heads of state, along with family members
- Senior government officials, diplomats and family members
