How can immigration biometrics work in underdeveloped countries?

The new UK Border Agency’s point based immigration system, which requires biometrics before entry to the UK is granted, could pose a problem for those travelling from undeveloped countries where biometric collection centres are extremely uncommon.

However, it should be noted that even in developed countries there are not enough biometric collection centres to make it convenient for most people to send a biometric sample in a time efficient manner.

The Home Affairs Committee report stated that the government provides more biometric collection points to make it easier to reduce the delays and expense that applicants may face while trying to gain entry in and out of the UK.

Also in the report was information that universities do not have confidence in the new Sponsorship Management System which dictates universities must guarantee migrants entrance into the country in order for foreign students to be granted entry into the UK.

This is in part because of the shaky history of the previous Home Office IT systems that have failed.

This is especially concerning for universities since about 8% of their funding comes from foreign students who travel to the UK for further education.

The UK Border Agency has still decided to phase in the new system, but with input from the higher education sector who has already warned that it needs to test the system before autumn 2009, which is the busiest time of year for universities due to the start of the new school term.

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