25 Feb 2010

The Australian Government is to invest $69 million to introduce biometric visa checks for Visa applications. This strengthening of Australia’s border security is to take place over the next four years.
The program is in collaboration with the UK government and is thought to be in response to the global threat of terrorism.

The changes will affect visa applications being processed in 10 countries selected on the basis of national security and fraud risks. Those applying for a visa in any of the selected countries will need to submit fingerprints and facial images at a visa application centre.

The biometric information will be cross-checked with international partners including Canada and the United Kingdom to confirm the true identity of visa applications. It is expected that partners including New Zealand and the United states will join the programme this year.

It is hoped these changes will reduce the risk of terrorists and other people of concern from entering Australia undetected.