[Tony]

From 30 November 2009, the UK Border Agency is introducing fingerprint checks at the border for passengers with biometric UK visas, entry clearances and identity cards for foreign nationals (ICFNs).

Read more...

[casualwalks]

I wonder will this apply to those who have ILR, whose biometrics were taken when their initial visa was issued?

[Mutly]

casualwalks, on 25 November 2009 - 09:19 PM, said:

I wonder will this apply to those who have ILR, whose biometrics were taken when their initial visa was issued?

It seems that the fingerprints taken will be compared with those encoded in the biometric vignette/ID card. Although maybe they will be compared to a a databse of everyone who has given biometrics. In that case, it will have to be reliable so that legitimate people don't get bounced and vice versa. I wonder what happen if someone has a scratched finger?

[casualwalks]

Indeed. When I had my biometrics done they couldn't get a clear finger print reading, they did it 5 times and the system kept rejecting it. In the end the worldbridge person overode the system to accept them. I hoping this won't come back to haunt me . Luckily I have a distinct scar on one my fingers so I should be ok.

[Mutly]

Though many European governments and the USA are keen on using such techbnology, I think for those reasons it will take a while before fingerprints become a really reliable factor in that it won't be necessary for immigration officers to carefully check photos anymore and so forth. Traditional methods will exist for quite a while alongside fingerprint scans which may have issues.

[casualwalks]

You're probably right. It sort of feels like one more thing to worry about when I clear border control (not that I have anything to worry about IO's just make me nervous). I've gotten in the habit of making my partner come through with me so there is no doubt about the continuing validity of my visa.

[Mutly]

I think it's something that can vary quite a lot. In the Schengen area I've sometimes wondered whether they have even checked the photo when I've travelled. Other times they stand there in their uniforms having a good, serious look, and of course anyone can be questioned anytime. None of that is a problem for legitimate travellers of course, but if they rely on fingerprint checking then the technology has to work well so that people don't have reason to become nervours. Or bite their fingers.

[Mr D]

am i correct right of abode is the ilr type ,am i wondering this also as my wife biometric have not been taken ,due to visa being issued before introduction of it,and during ilr process which had not been taken as it was not part of the application process when it was applied for.
read below , {source http://www.ukba.home...cks-at-border/}

(Fingerprint Checks at the Border - Exemptions The following passengers are exempt from fingerprint checks at the border:

• Passengers who are exempt from immigration control under section 8 of the Immigration act 1971 and who have therefore qualified for an 'exempt' endorsement will not have had their biometrics captured as part of the application process. These are:

- Serving Government Ministers of State (or their equivalents) recognised by Her Majesty's Government and travelling to the United Kingdom on the official business of their Government;

- Diplomats accredited to the United Kingdom; and

- Diplomats transiting to or from a place where they are accredited.

• Passengers who are not exempt from immigration control, but are not required to provide their biometric data:

- Diplomats visiting the United Kingdom on the official business of their Government; and

- Diplomatic couriers.

• Children aged under 6.

• Amputees - persons with less than two digits are exempt from the requirement to provide fingerprints as biometrics will not have been captured as part of the application process.
• Holders of right of abode - person holding a certificate of entitlement is not a person subject to the entry clearance requirement and biometrics will not have been captured as part of the application process.
• Passengers who will hold visas issued before the introduction of biometric visas. Biometrics will not have been captured as part of the application process.)

This post has been edited by Mr D: 26 November 2009 - 09:34 PM

[Victoria]

ROA is different from ILR, but yes it does appear that those who have their visas issued pre-biometrics will not have to have their prints taken.

I had mine taken en route to the US this year...it made me a little uncomfortable, as it is the first time I have ever had them taken anywhere, but I don't think it will make a big impact to people who already have their prints on a database.

[Mutly]

Quote

am i correct right of abode is the ilr type

ILR and right of abode are different. People with ILR don't have the right of abode.

British citizens and a small number of specific citizens of Commonwealth countries have the right of abode. It is the right to enter and remain at any time without no retrictions at all. It is the "highest" status a person can have in a country and in most cases means being a citizen.
ILR is a residence permit and is settled status, but this status is lost if absent for more than two years and can be revoked for specific serious reasons, the right to enter and stay is not absolute and without any restrictions at all.