Posted by By Debo Oladimeje, Lagos on
EFFECTIVE from May 24, this year, all visa applications into the United Kingdom (UK) will be processed through the bio-metric identification method, a device designed to authenticate the identity of the applicant.
EFFECTIVE from May 24, this year, all visa applications into the United Kingdom (UK) will be processed through the bio-metric identification method, a device designed to authenticate the identity of the applicant.
Explaining the new method at the British High Commission yesterday in Lagos, the High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Gozney, said this time around applicants would be required to appear in person at the immigration office, where their photographs, along with their fingerprints would be taken.
Sir Gozney said the measure became necessary so as to ensure an easy entry of successful applicants into the UK, especially against the background of visa fraud and abuse of the UK immigration and asylum system.
According to him, this major change will involve applicants over the age of five, irrespective of nationality.
He added that even applicants that had been enjoying the UK visa were not exempted from the new requirement. "The application cannot be processed if an applicant refuses, or cannot provide acceptable bio-metric data," he warned.
Gozney affirmed that the new procedure would be pursued with commitment. Henceforth any applicant who would submit false documents or information in their application might be refused visa and might be referred to the authorities.
Gozney said that to facilitate the installation of the new equipment, visa application centres in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Port Harcourt would be closed on May 18 to reopen on May 24, 2007.
"During this period, no new applications can be submitted but decisions on applications submitted before May 18 may be collected from the centres. Applications will not be taken at the British High Commission other than in exceptional circumstances," he said.
He also noted that from May 24, applicants would be able to lodge application information at the Visa Application Centres in the country.
"VFS will also take over the role of answering visa enquires from members of the public. This can be done free of charge either in person at one of the Visa Application Centres, or by e-mail. Alternatively, a premium rate telephone answer service will also be available from May 24," he said.
Gozney further explained that the new system would be stress- free, as finger scans of applicants could be done using an electronic scanner. "No ink, liquid or chemical will be used. A digital photograph will be taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes," he added.
He advised that all applicants would ensure that their fingertips are free from any forms of decoration. For example, abrasions or other markings, and that any facial cuts and bruises should have healed or disappeared prior to providing the bio-metric data, as these might affect their ability to provide acceptable finger scans or photographs.
He emphasised that digital photographs would not be taken with applicants wearing head covering that hide the faces. "VFJ will then be responsible for the safe forwarding of the application they process to the visa sections for consideration in the normal way. The visa sections of the High Commission will return passports and supported documents to VFS after a decision had been made, for delivery back to applicants," he explained.
The envoy declared that the new system would enable them to "shut out or do away with unscrupulous visa applicants." It will help us to concentrate on bonafide applicants. That is the good side of it," he said.