Foreign students in Australia facing biometric checks
09 November, 2010
category: Biometrics, Government
The Australian Immigration Department has decided to include visiting students in its trial of a new border control system that issues biometric checks of foreigners entering the country, according to an article from The Australian.
Visiting students were added to the trial when the department decided to extend the scope of the trial from the original, which included detainees and asylum seekers, to those seeking any sort of visa following a risk assessment that pointed towards student visas being at risk for identity fraud.
The biometric screening process, which includes a digital facial image and fingerprint scan of all ten fingers, is being referred to as non-intrusive and discreet in response to a push from educators calling for sensitivity in the program so as to not hurt Australia’s international image as a place where students from other countries are welcome.
The Australian Immigration Department will begin its biometric data collection of those that fall under the program in select locations in late 2010 or early 2011.
Read the full story here.