MANILA, Philippines—Saudi Arabia will be using biometrics for visa applicants from 2010, the Department of Foreign Affairs has announced for the guidance of Filipinos applying for visas to go to the Middle East country.

It said that Saudi Arabia’s passport department has urged Filipinos and other foreign workers there to get their biometric data registered as soon as possible to avoid snags in getting their re-entry visas stamped on time.

Saudi Arabia has begun fingerprinting and taking digital full-face photos of foreigners entering the kingdom on visitors’, umrah and work visas, the DFA said.

The Saudi government said the new policy on fingerprinting and full-face digital photographs on visas was introduced to strengthen security, prevent identity theft and combat terrorism.

Khaled bin Saud, the Saudi foreign affairs deputy minister, said authorized biometric service centers would be receiving visa applications on behalf of Saudi embassies and missions at reasonable charges.