Finger Prints Fights Fraud

Finger Prints Fights Fraud

Press Release "The first new high-tech biometric cards for asylum applicants will come hot off the press today in Croydon. From today, all new in-country asylum applicants in Croydon will be issued with a card. A phased rollout to other locations, including arrival ports, is planned and should be complete by Autumn 2002. The Application Registration Card (ARC) will contain the bearer's unique fingerprint data as well as their photograph, name, date of birth and nationality. The card will also include a secure updateable chip for additional information such as the holder's address. The new card will replace the Standard Acknowledgement Letter (SAL) currently issued to asylum seekers. The paper SAL document has become easy to forge, counterfeit and damage. The ARC will be a key plank in preventing fraud. Home Office Minister Lord Rooker said: "The ARC is one of several new proposals outlined by the Home Secretary last October for radical and fundamental reform of asylum and immigration policy. By introducing the card, the Government is at the forefront of making the most of up-to-date technology to combat fraud and to ensure that asylum seekers are identified rapidly at all stages of their application." Each ARC will allow quick, positive verification of the holder's identity as it will contain their unique fingerprint information. This will greatly reduce the scope for fraud through illegal benefits claims. The technology behind ARCs builds on the Home Office's successful automated fingerprint technology which has been in operation since December 2000. The fingerprint technology has already been effective in detecting multiple asylum applicants. Notes to Editors: 1. Radical Reform Unveiled For More Robust Asylum System."

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/