Having previously tested automated kiosks capable of capturing and processing fingerprints and facial scans, the department now intends to trial fully remote options for providing data to the immigration system
The Home Office is exploring the possibility of enabling people to use their smartphone to submit their biometric data to the department and the wider immigration system.
In 2022, the department conducted an initial feasibility-gauging exercise exploring the potential that, during applications for legal immigration status, individuals would be able to provide biometric data – such as facial scans or fingerprints – via either smartphone applications or automated kiosks.
Having been deemed as the more “mature” of these two technology options, the kiosks were initially deployed for a three-month trial, before being rolled out more widely at border and other immigration facilities.
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Three years on, and the Home Office is now keen to press ahead with practical tests of biometric info-gathering smartphone apps. The department has published a commercial notice outlining potential interested parties that, at 3pm on 19 August, it will host an engagement session, where officials hope to talk to tech companies that could provide software capable of capturing data.
“The Home Office will be holding a market engagement session to discuss future plans for trialling remote biometric enrolment technology,” the notice says. “These trials will focus on capture of fingerprints and identity binding via smartphone application(s). Suppliers with suitable apps are invited to attend this event.”
Prospective attendees – who can email the department to find out more – are adviser that other participants in the engagement call will be able to see them.
