More immigration routes require biometric residence permit

The UK Border Agency has completed the rollout of biometric residence permits in the UK. This significantly increases the number of biometric residence permits issued by the agency.

From 29th February 2012, all applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) applying to stay in the UK for more than six months have to register their fingerprints and digital facial image. Successful applicants will be issued a biometric residence permit as evidence of immigration status and entitlements in the UK. This includes refugees and those granted settlement.

Since the rollout began in November 2008 the home office has issued around 650,000 biometric residence permits, containing fingerprints and photograph on a secure chip. Biometric residence permits are an important step in fighting immigration abuse and illegal working and make it easier for employers to verify a foreign national’s right to work in the UK.

Source: The Home Office