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Overhaul of border security takes a step forward
The Home Secretary's drive to strengthen Britain's border controls took another step forward this month (May)with the opening of IRIS at Gatwick South.
IRIS (Iris Recognition Immigration System), which lets registered passengers enter the UK quickly and securely, is a new step in exploiting biometric technology to strength Britain's border controls.
Thirty one million passengers pass through Gatwick each year, which represents 14 per cent of those passing through the UK's airports each year. Many of these passengers will be able to benefit from the introduction of this new technology.
IRIS enables registered passengers to enter the UK without queuing to see an immigration officer at passport control. Instead, individuals enrolled on the scheme are able to walk up to an automated barrier, look into a camera and if the system recognises them, enter the UK - leaving immigration officers free to concentrate on strengthening Britain's border controls.
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said, "We are significantly toughening Britain's borders. Iris recognition barriers combine speed and maximum security to let positively vetted passengers travel faster."
"Soon we will also see uniformed officers with new powers at airports across the UK."
This biometric technology works by photographing and storing a passenger's iris patterns in a database - then linking them securely to their passport details and immigration status in the UK. Only those individuals who meet the enrolment criteria and have had their details authenticated by an immigration officer are able to use the technology. This ensures the immigration system remains safe and secure at all times. As no two iris patterns are alike, the system will quickly and securely recognise each registered individual when they look into the camera.
The installation of IRIS at Gatwick South completes the roll out of this new technology to nine key airports. It builds on the Home Secretary's commitments in his Review of Immigration to enhance technology at the border to count people in and out of the UK, use tougher checks abroad, introduce biometric ID for non-EEA foreign nationals and double the enforcement budget by £100m.
Liam Byrne visited IRIS at Gatwick Airport today. He took the opportunity to enrol in the system and use the automated arrival gate.
Andy Flower, Managing Director BAA Gatwick said, "The use of this new system helps protect our borders as well as providing our passengers with much faster clearance through immigration controls. The success of the IRIS project in North Terminal has led to its extension to South Terminal. We look forward to encouraging more passengers to use this state of the art technology to help ease their journey through the airport."
