In the next four years, the Government of Australia would be investing sixty nine million dollars for the introduction of Biometric Date Checks for all the applications sent for an Australian Visa.
These Biometric checks would be implemented in ten countries where in the visa applications are processed. This announcement has come about to ensure better security at its borders.
So, all those applying for a visa for the purpose of Immigration from the ten specified countries would have to give their fingerprints and facial images while submitting their application form. Through this, a unique identity of each applicant would be formed. This would be done with the help of characteristics which are measurable and are biological in nature. After establishing the identity of the individual, this information would be recorded and checked again to ensure that it is the correct identity of the applicant.
This information would be used to detect and cross check with the various databases of the Australian government. This could also be used by other nations who are a participant in something that would aid in recognizing criminals and other convicts.
As of now, the nation has data – sharing agreements with Canada and the United Kingdom. This year, the United States as well New Zealand are to join this agreement. So, currently the program is in association with the UK Border Agency since they already have a similar program which is functioning at present.
The ten countries that have been designated are based on where the chances are higher of likely risks of fraudulent practices and where national security is a concern. Also, those places have been selected where the Australian government could use the British Biometric Collection Centers.
On the occasion, Chris Evans, Immigration and Citizenship Minister said that identifying an individual, especially the one who is not a citizen of Australia is of key importance for both the assessment and processing of the visa. This is where the biometric system would be of great use for security purposes.
