Biometrics - Do they Matter

What are Biometrics? What is the use? Do they make things work better?
Hmmm


Biometrics comprises methods for uniquely recognizing humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. In computer science, in particular, biometrics is used as a form of identity access management and access control. It is also used to identify individuals in groups that are under surveillance ( wikipedia)

The idea behind this is so your identity is safe... right!!!

An applicant to the UK has just been refused a visa to study... why? Because she with held information about a previous refusal.

Question - Was there a previous refusal?
Answer - No
Question - So how did this come about?
Answer - The story goes - Twin sisters ( Identical) Jennifer and Jessica made an application through the UKBA to go in for a visiting trip in March. Jennifer was granted a visa, but Jessica was not. ( reason for the refusal of the twin is beside the point).
In august, Jennifer, who was issued a Visa in March, submitted the same passport for the issuance of a Student visa, and was refused because she was refused in March, and did not submit the passport she submitted with the previous application.
Question- really? Was it not Jessica that was refused?
Answer- Yes it was, and you'd expect that their biometrics of the twins, which they had, as well as the passport which Jennifer submitted confirmed that she is Jennifer and not Jessica.

Why then do we have biometrics done when a very developed country cannot even tell the difference in the biometric details which they have at hand.
The Entry clearance officer, has now refused Jennifer for withholding information on her refusal, when in actual fact she never had a refusal. This means they actually do not make do with any details which they collect. They can still mix up biometric details...

Very disappointing.. right?