NEC Leads NZ Immigration's Biometric Upgrade Project

Published Date: 25/07/2024

NEC leads NZ Immigration's biometric upgrade, enhancing identity verification and fraud detection

"Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed that its Biometric Capability Upgrade (BCU) project, worth an estimated $35 million, did not require Cabinet approval. The project, approved by delegated 'joint ministers' in July 2023, aims to improve the processing speed for confirming the identities of tourists, migrants, and refugees through advanced photograph matching.

The BCU, scheduled to go live in October 2024, will be funded by visa fees, which may increase as part of government cost-cutting measures. The project involves technology companies NEC, Argonaut, and Datacom, enhancing the system's ability to detect fraud and trafficking. NEC will take the lead on the project, providing ongoing support and maintenance within its approved budget, pending final testing and governance approval.

According to Michael Alp, INZ's General Manager of Risk and Border, the upgrade will enable applications"

FAQs:

"Q: What is the estimated cost of the Biometric Capability Upgrade (BCU) project?

A: The estimated cost of the BCU project is $35 million.

Q: When is the BCU project scheduled to go live?

A: The BCU project is scheduled to go live in October 2024.

Q: What is the purpose of the BCU project?

A: The purpose of the BCU project is to improve the processing speed for confirming the identities of tourists, migrants, and refugees through advanced photograph matching.

Q: Which companies are involved in the BCU project?

A: The companies involved in the BCU project are NEC, Argonaut, and Datacom.

Q: What are the concerns surrounding the BCU project?

A: The concerns surrounding the BCU project are related to data privacy and security, particularly for refugees and asylum seekers."

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