JEDDAH, 11 December 2003 — The US Consulate General has begun collecting fingerprints of visa applicants regardless of nationality. All applicants are required to undergo an electronic scan of each index finger as part of the application process. The new biometric identification procedure is designed to combat visa fraud and forgery.
“As of Monday, we joined over 30 visa-issuing posts worldwide in collecting biometric data from all applicants aged 12 to 79,” US Consul General Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley told Arab News yesterday. “Our new biometric scans are quick and inkless and utilize a new technology that will greatly improve the security of international travel. Along with the photograph that is collected, an electronic image of the fingerprints of the two index fingers is taken.
“Like the photograph we print on your visa, these scanned fingerprints will help identify you as you enter the United States and will prevent your visa from being misused if it is lost or stolen. Your scanned fingerprints will be kept in a secure database. They will not appear on your visa, or be shared with any other government agencies.”
According to a consular press release, the new procedure was developed in response to a Congressional mandate. Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson of the US Department of Homeland Security explained during a visit to Riyadh in early November that the procedure is part of a simple, automated, fast and respectful entry and exit program known as US-VISIT, designed to improve US security while expediting legitimate travel and trade.
“This system prevents someone from entering the United States using a visa issued to someone who looks like the person the visa was intended for,” US Consul Miguel Ordonez told Arab News.
Consul General Abercrombie-Winstanley also announced the extension of visa hours for students. “I would like to announce the expansion of our visa hours for first-time and continuing students. Starting immediately, the visa section will be open for special ‘students only‚’ hours from 0800 to 0900 on the first and third Sundays of every month. We recognize that students are under a particular set of time constraints when they return to Saudi Arabia on vacation. The establishment of ‘Student Days,’ will hopefully make applying for a student visa more convenient and user-friendly.
“The past two years have witnessed drastic changes in the way visas are processed at all our embassies and consulates worldwide. These include the development of the National Security Entry/Exit Registration System, the arrival of the Department of Homeland Security personnel in Saudi Arabia, and the worldwide roll-out of our new biometric scanning standards.
“Each change in our visa entry procedures comes with its own set of questions and concerns from applicants. Because policies and laws governing American border security rapidly evolve, we know there’s a lot of confusion and frustration in the minds of the public. With any change, there’s bound to be some misunderstanding. It’s my belief that we can relieve much of the anxiety and anger that surrounds American visa policy and procedures through developments like this one.”
