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Written question asked by Afzal Khan (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 January 2021 (named day). It was answered by Kevin Foster (Conservative) on Monday, 11 January 2021 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Biometrics

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to UKVI applicants with reusable biometric information, which applicants were (a) permitted to use the data and (b) prevented from utilising reusable biometric data.

Answer

The Home Office published Covid-19 guidance on 3 September 2020 setting out biometric reuse measures that were introduced to support UKVI customers adversely affected by the pandemic. The guidance sets out the circumstances under which reusable biometrics can be reused and can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-biometric-enrolment-reuse-and-evidencing-status

We are developing plans to enable us to widen the reuse of previously enrolled fingerprint biometrics, while maintaining public safety. The capability to reuse previously enrolled fingerprint biometrics will help us to reduce the need for foreign nationals to attend an office to provide their fingerprints every time they make an immigration application. However, foreign nationals will still be required to provide their latest facial image.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
133153
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Biometrics Applications Immigration
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk