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Collection and Use of Biometrics

By 31 July 2019August 18th, 2020No Comments

We expect to see an increase in the number of requests by the Department of Home Affairs for ‘personal identifiers’ as part of the process for all visa types including TSS visas.

Personal identifiers can include:

  • fingerprints;
  • measurements of the person’s height and weight;
  • photograph or other image of the person’s face and shoulders;
  • audio or a video recording of the person’s voice; and
  • iris scans.

Collection of personal identifiers must occur at an approved centre and these are sometimes limited to major cities in specific countries.

Currently, personal identifiers are requested in a limited number of situations based on the applicant’s nationality or place of residence. However, legislation has been passed to broaden the circumstances in which personal identifiers will be requested and to make this a pre-condition of lodging a valid application.

This matters to employers because a request for biometrics can mean additional processing times and cost for employees. We will advise your employee early in the process if we believe a request is likely but, as it is often discretionary, we may only know once it is requested by the Department.

 

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of 31 July 2019 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Have more specific questions about your visa? Get in touch with Ajuria Lawyers today.

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Author Ron Kessels

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