Friday, June 22, 2007

Britain requires biometric data of visa applicants in Cambodia

June 22, 2007

All applicants for a UK visa in Cambodia are required to provide their biometric data in the form of finger scans and digital photography from 22 June 2007.

The British government is introducing biometric data collection (ten-finger scans and a digital photograph) as part of a world- wide biometric identification process, designed to protect an individual's identity, facilitate future entry to the UK, combat visa fraud and abuse of the UK's immigration and asylum systems, said a press release issued by the British Embassy here on Friday.

According to the press release, finger scans will be collected from each applicant by using an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical will be used and the procedure will take no more than two minutes to complete.

All applicants should ensure that their fingertips are free from any forms of decoration, abrasions or other markings, and that any facial cuts and bruises have healed or disappeared prior to providing their biometric data as these may affect their ability to provide acceptable finger scans and photographs, it said, adding that digital photographs can not be taken with applicants wearing head coverings that hide the face, dark glasses, face or neck coverings.

The application cannot be processed if an applicant refuses, or cannot provide, acceptable biometric data, it added.

Meanwhile, the British Embassy will continue to issue a limited number of visas locally, for holders of diplomatic and official passports traveling on official business, it said, adding that all other applications will be forwarded to the visa section of British Embassy in Bangkok.

These applicants may be required to travel to Bangkok to provide their biometric data, it added.

Source: Xinhua

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