Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over ETA Facial Biometrics Requirement

The Alliance Party have said that they "deeply concerned" that the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application process will require facial biometrics, with fingerprint requirements to be added later.

The authorisation will be required for all non-Irish people travelling into the UK, including Northern Ireland, who do not have the permanent right to live in the UK. While the UK Government claims there will be no border checks, the ETA is nevertheless set to be a requirement for movements between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The confirmation came to North Down MP Dr Farry from UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick. The Alliance Deputy Leader said the further requirement for biometrics as part of the ETA application process would add further barriers for those who must apply, and has reiterated his call for the UK Government to exempt movements on the island of Ireland from the ETA.

He said: "The confirmation to me from the Home Office there will be facial and fingerprint biometric requirements as part of the ETA application creates even greater burdens and complication for those applying. Indeed, the technology is not always reliable, plus the process may become a barrier for some who can't access the IT or get it to work.

"The requirement for the ETA for journeys on the island of Ireland for non-Irish or non-British citizens was already a retrograde step, with impacts on many already resident in Ireland and for tourists. It would represent a needless bureaucratic hurdle for those undertaking a range of normal activities in Northern Ireland or simply passing through, and it would place those who are unaware of the need to apply or who forget to renew in potential legal jeopardy.

"Since Brexit, the UK Government has proudly been pursuing a reckless, anti-immigration agenda, and this ETA requirement is a policy decision that can and must be rectified. With the UK Government's revised intention to bring forward the ETA's implementation date to June 2023, they need to urgently recognise the island of Ireland's unique position and legislate for an exemption for residents and tourists.

"Discussions have been underway between the UK and Irish Governments around a means to exempt those who are normally resident in Ireland from the need for an ETA. That engagement seems to be limited to trying to identify a data-sharing option which may bring fresh challenges. It would be better to have a much more broad-based exemption for journeys on the island."