The Department of Home Affairs has tapped the services of global system integrator Unisys to deploy a new biometric system to be used for visa and border processing.
The system is called Enterprise Biometric Identification Services (EBIS), and is based on Unisys’ Stealth(identity) multi-factor identity management and authentication solution and IDEMIA’s facial and fingerprint recognition algorithms.
EBIS will be used to match facial images and fingerprints of visa and citizenship applicants, facilitating the processing of legitimate travellers. Home Affairs expects the system will support anticipated growth in visa applications, border clearances and applications for citizenship over the next 10 years.
Unisys said it designed and implemented the EBIS within 18 months of signing the contract. It also replaced a previous biometrics matching system that was also provided and supported by Unisys for the last 12 years.
Unisys APAC vice president Rick Mayhew said, “The long term growth in the volume of travellers that will hopefully return after COVID-19, as well as the increased risk of potential terrorist or fraudulent activity, means that effective border security is more important than ever.”
“We have worked closely with the department and our partner IDEMIA, the global leader in augmented identity, to deliver one of the world’s leading solutions to help protect Australia’s borders and national assets.”
