Australia Requires Biometrics from Nine African Nations

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that nationals from nine African countries are required to submit fingerprints and facial scans when applying for an Australian visa. This requirement is part of the country's biometrics identification process under the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994.

The nine countries include Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. Nigeria and South Africa each have multiple Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCCs), with Nigeria hosting centres in Lagos and Abuja, while South Africa has five locations.

VFS Global is contracted to operate these ABCCs. Applicants must book appointments in advance and bring valid travel documents.

A service fee is charged for each biometrics collection session, where all 10 fingerprints are scanned and a digital photograph of the face is taken. The collected data is stored securely and used to protect against identity fraud and enhance border security.