I think it is purely for immigration and also for the staff travel benefits. When you join all the information is stored online and when you print tickets then the information is there and waiting. I think they are just ahead of themselves.
Whether or not his info helps in the recruitment process - no idea. Don't think so. They are finding it hard to get guys up here with a family because of the housing assistance - or rather the lack of it. It was hard enough coming up here with a few debts back home. It took a short time to pay that off and we were much better off. I can't imagine bringing a family up here in the current conditions. My hat is off to those that can make it work.
Good luck