The Home Office has awarded a $4.4m contract to US biometric identity and security firm Cross Match Technologies to deliver 1,385 fingerprint scanning systems.

The contract was awarded under the Biometrics Framework Agreement as part of the UK's visa programme implemented by UKvisas.

Cross Match's L Scan Guardian (PDF) scanners will be in operation by the end of this year in UK overseas missions, including embassies and consulates around the globe.

The UK is the first country in the European Union to collect biometric data from every visa applicant in the form of fingerprints and a digital photo.

Andrew Pestell, head of procurement at UKvisas, said: "The introduction of biometric visas is a key part of our contribution to the Border and Immigration Agency's strategic objective to strengthen our borders.

"The recording of biometric information through our new fingerprint readers allows us to fix an individual's identity at the earliest point practicable so that only those with permission can travel to the UK."

Since the introduction of the first UK biometric visas, the Home Office claims that several hundred applicants have been detected while attempting to immigrate illegally into the UK.

Fingerprints taken as part of the visa application process are checked against UK government records to determine whether the individual is already known to the Border and Immigration Agency.

Over 8,000 sets of prints have been matched quickly and successfully to individuals of concern using the technology.