Biometric Collection And Exchange Factsheets ​

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The Department of Home Affairs released a factsheet detailing its biometrics collection and exchange program. The Offshore Biometric Collection Program (OBCP), launched in December 2010, currently collects fingerprints and facial images from visa applicants in 53 countries across multiple visa products. Onshore collection encompasses illegal foreign fishers in immigration detention, citizenship applicants, unlawful non-citizens in detention, onshore permanent protection visa applicants, visitor visa renewal applicants, and SmartGates travellers. The Department contracts Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCCs) to conduct collections via digital facial imaging and 10-digit fingerprint scans, with ABCCs charging service fees to applicants. Biometric data supports identity verification for visa applications and underpins international data-sharing obligations with partner countries for border and migration management purposes. Applicants receive biometrics request letters after lodging applications and must attend