Using biometrics  (fingerprints and Iris) helps UNHCR to protect the digital identity of refugees and asylum seekers, prevents others from identity theft and thereby maintaining the integrity of the legal status of refugees and asylum seekers.
Biometrics also allow UNHCR to quickly identify someone and retrieve his/her file in any UNHCR office even if documentation is lost or stolen.
With biometrics, UNHCR can quickly verify an individual for assistance delivery, thereby also preventing others from receiving assistance in someone else’s place and ensuring assistance is provided to the targeted beneficiary.
UNHCR takes data privacy and data security seriously and UNHCR’s Data Protection Policy ensures the rights of registered applicants.