The fingerprint and face scan technology is being run under the testing phase by Immigration New Zealand. This technology would help in the identification of visa applicants and other travelers who are coming to New Zealand for the first time. This biometric system is intended to be a part of the new immigration management system for the nation. This technology is expected to cost over $60 million.

According to Nigel Bickle, the Head of Immigration, the department was working with Dao which is a biometric firm based in Australia. With the help of this firm, it is being assessed whether or not the use of this technology would help quicken the processing of passengers. As of now, this technology is intended to be implemented at application processing stage and the borders.

He also said that the trail period would be for ten months. Based on the outcome of these trial sessions, the decision regarding the purchase of the new biometric systems would cater to the new immigration management system programme. However, this decision would not be made for a minimum of the next one year.

He also stated that any new technology which is implemented would be having significant precautions when it comes to the privacy. Also, these safety measures would be in accordance with the privacy policies of the nation.

The Immigration Act permitted the collection of biometric data by the department. This data was being collected from those travelers who were coming to New Zealand for the first time without any visas. This allowed them to check their identity based on the immigration alerts.