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<p>Biometrics, in the form of a facial image and fingerprints, underpin the UK’s immigration
system to support identity assurance and suitability checks on foreign nationals who
are subject to immigration control. They enable us to conduct comprehensive checks
to prevent leave being granted to those who pose a threat to national security or
are likely to breach our laws. Our approach in terms of both Afghanistan and Ukraine
is based on advice relating to national security we have received.</p><p>Eligible
Ukrainians with valid international Ukrainian passports who apply to the Ukraine Family
Scheme, or the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, do not currently need to go to a Visa Application
Centre (VAC) to give their biometrics before they come to the UK.</p><p>Vital security
checks will continue on all cases. This decision was made exceptionally as a temporary
arrangement to ensure VACs across Europe could focus their efforts on helping Ukrainians
without valid passports. It will be kept under review if the security situation changes
and it becomes necessary to make further changes to protect the people of the UK.</p><p>We
remain committed to supporting Afghan nationals through the Afghan Relocations and
Assistance Policy scheme and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme to come to the
UK, as set out in the Afghanistan resettlement and immigration policy statement published
on 13 September 2021. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghanistan-resettlement-and-immigration-policy-statement</p>
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