Undocumented Migrants: Biometrics

The Home Office requires the collection of biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) from all individuals who enter the UK unlawfully. We use them to confirm a person’s identity and to assess whether the person poses a threat to public safety. Biometric enrolment is primarily carried out by immigration and Border Force officers, but police officers may also capture biometrics of people they suspect to be unlawfully in the UK, in support of immigration control, including during enforcement operations or criminal investigations.

There are very limited exceptions where biometric data may not be collected at the time of encounter. for example cases where the individual is a child under five.