More than 150,000 expected to apply for visas in 2006

MORE than 150,000 people will apply for Irish visas this year, Justice Minister Michael McDowell claimed yesterday.

As a new system to speed up applications was unveiled, Mr McDowell said there had been great demand in the past few years and that looked set to continue.

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), set up last year, will use a computerised service in a bid to process applications more quickly.

"This new system will enable visa applications received in embassies and consulates worldwide to be transmitted speedily to Dublin for examination," the minister said.

"It will also provide a comprehensive visa tracking mechanism and will be able to report on trends in visa applications. The new system will mean a much faster service for visa applicants."

The new visa computerisation system is expected to be up and running in the first half of 2006 as part of efforts to improve the work of the INIS.

The office was designed to be a one-stop-shop for asylum seekers, immigrants and citizenship.

Mr McDowell added: "Since INIS was established last year, it has embarked on a series of measures to improve services across the whole spectrum of its activities and to strengthen the effectiveness of the immigration system.

"This visa computerisation project is a key element of its enhancement programme."

Meanwhile, frequent travellers will benefit from a faster, simpler way to pass through British immigration control as new technology was launched at Heathrow Terminal One yesterday.

The Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) will enable registered passengers to enter Britain without queuing to see an immigration officer at passport control.

Individuals signed up to the scheme will be able to walk up to an automated barrier, simply look into a camera and if the system recognises them, enter the country, leaving immigration officers to concentrate on other priorities.

This biometric technology works by photographing a passenger's iris patterns and storing the data in a database, together with their passport details. Only people who have had their details authenticated by an immigration officer are able to use the technology.