UKBA launches mobile biometric team

The need for migrants to register their biometric details in the UK will soon be made easier and more accessible as a new mobile biometric scheme is launched.

The UK Border Agency has unveiled the mobile service in Sheffield with the team from the Vulcan House biometrics division being the first in the country to establish a mobile enrolment team or MET. The team will use the technology throughout the midlands and north into Scotland. An additional team will be based in Croydon to cover the southern part of the country.

Currently, legislation stipulates that when any foreign nationals apply for UK identity card authorities must take biometric information of the individuals face to create a fixed identity which can be compared to existing information. The practice is normally undertaken at the biometric enrolment centre of the local Home Office but studies have shown that some applicants are unable to make the journey to the office, normally for medical reasons. It is these applicants who will be a priority for the UKBA to assist.

The new MET program will allow applicants to make an enrolment request for the testing to take place at a private address. This can be their place of residence or even hospital or care home. The new service will also enable enrolments for migrants who are in prisons or detention centres.