The Timaru Herald | Wednesday, 05 December 2007
Kiwis wanting to head off on their OE will first see themselves landing in Wellington because of new security restrictions on United Kingdom visas.
People going to the United Kingdom for more than six months will have to be finger-printed and photographed after the British Government introduces biometric visas on December 11.
About 12,000 New Zealanders who visit the United Kingdom each year will have to book an appointment at the British High Commission in Wellington to have their fingerprints scanned and a digital photo taken. Applications will be denied if people refuse or are unable to provide acceptable finger scans and photographs.
Timaru travel agent Kate Flynn said biometric information was just an added cost for people working hard to meet the hefty OE restrictions.
Travelling to the nearest British embassy was another expense on top of airfares, visas and the $6000 of savings needed.
The British High Commission looked unlikely to lower visa costs but hoped to open facilities in Christchurch and Auckland in January 2008.
Mrs Flynn said global security had increased the restrictions on travelling since 9/11. People applying for an American or French visa also had to visit the country's embassy before their application was granted.
Mrs Flynn believed the tougher restrictions might deter some people from doing their OE, choosing instead to travel further abroad for shorter stints.
The biometric system was already operating for United Kingdom visa applications in more than 100 countries around the world. It was now the global norm for protecting against identity fraud.
Data would be sent straight to the United Kingdom allowing immigration to validate people's identity on arrival. It would be held for 10 years and was protected by the United Kingdom's Data Protection Act 1998.
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