Airports put the finger on asylum seekers

Trials of biometric security checks are to begin next month, as the government attempts to cut fraudulent immigration and asylum claims.

Sri Lankan nationals asking for UK visas will be fingerprinted in their home country when they apply. Readers installed at British airports will then match individuals to the visa.

Immigrations officials and other law enforcement agencies will be able to access this information to help them identify claimants, according to a Home Office spokesman.

The system is aimed at reducing bogus applications, where claimants have either made applications under a false name or attempted to frustrate repatriation by destroying documents.

Sri Lanka has been selected for the pilot because the Home Office has identified a "significant number of unfounded applications" originating in the country.

The spokesman confirmed that fingerprint scanners will be installed at points of entry in time for the trial to begin next month.

Biometric testing has been placed at the heart of government plans to tackle bogus asylum applications.

"Using cutting edge technology to help secure our borders will ease travel for legitimate passengers, but allow us to stop and deter those who have no right to be here," said Home Office minister Beverley Hughes in a statement.

In similar trials, iris scanners are being installed at 10 UK airports by the middle of next year.