EU unveils proposal for biometric short-stay visas

AMSTERDAM — The European Commission (EC) unveiled plans for the introduction of new secure visas for non-EU nationals visiting and travelling in the European Union. Participating member states will upgrade their short-stay visas with a biometric chip containing details of the holder's fingerprint. In time iris and facial scans may be added to the chip. The moves "will reinforce internal security and facilitate legitimate travelling to the EU," the EC said in a statement. Sure to anger privacy advocates, the EC said its proposal on biometric visas "creates the legal obligation to collect fingerprints from visa applicants." The issue will be discussed further with the European Parliament and EU governments. The EC plan also gives the option to EU states to set up joint offices in consulates outside the EU to process visa applications. EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said these 'common application centres abroad' will streamline the procedure and cut time by which applicants receive their travel passes to go to the EU. Read more: Eurogates. Forum of education news