The US embassy divulged the launch of finger printing procedures and biometric visas for visa applicants. The introduction of such procedure in travel document will make the US borders more secure and safer to travel for the public.

More than 70,000 Indian students are studying in the US and second leading source of temporary workers. All the consular sections have been instructed to give priority attention to students and all India sections will make other special students appointments available throughout the summer. Since January 2004, almost all visitors arriving at US Sea and Airport have had their fingerprints taken. At the port of entry, the fingerprints of the traveller will be scanned and compared to the fingerprint contained in the bio visa. Visitors will have to take digital photo and an inkless fingerprint scan of both the index finger. On exit, there will be a departure confirmation system, where the visitors will electronically scan their visas and repeat the fingerprint process. All visa applicants other than, diplomats, official and international organisation employees and travellers under 14 and over 79 are expected to have their biometric information collected.

Source: www.economictimes.com

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