UK Announces New Biometric Norms

28 Mar 2015

Effective 6 April 2015, the Government of UK is set to execute new regulations to manage the information related to biometrics, fingerprints, and facial images; unveiled a report published by expat forum.

The new rules will necessitate applicants who are naturalizing or registering as a British citizen to provide biometric information as part of their application. The new rules are applicable to nationals of non-European Economic Area (EEA) who are filing an application for derivative residence card or residence card or permanent residence card.

UK immigration officials stated that the new norms are outlined to regulate prevailing legislations and strengthen checks for those individuals who wish to reside in the UK.

Moreover, the new rules are expected to ease the verifying process of people’s identity and enable individuals to confirm their status in the country. In addition to this, the home office will also be able to trace people who are staying in the UK without proper documents.

According to the new norms, applicants who are residing in the UK are required to provide their biometrics in a post office, as specified in their letter of enrollment. Overseas nationals will need to register their biometrics at a biometric enrollment center and need to provide their biometrics at a UK post office if they are planning to travel to the UK.

Reportedly, a biometric Residence Card (RC) will be given to the applicants who have acquired citizenship status. The RC will specify holder’s date of birth, nationality, name, photocopy and status in the UK.

Sources stated that the applicant’s fingerprint data will be stored for a maximum period of 10 years and once he/she acquires British citizenship the biometric data will be deleted. However, photocopies of data will be saved till the applicant acquires British passport. 

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