News DeskDubai, UAE – The Department of Home Affairs in Australia has selected VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, to provide biometric collection services across seven regions. This significant agreement will expand the Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) to 165 locations worldwide, including new geographies, in addition to existing locations operated by VFS Global.
The awarded regions encompass the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Under the terms of the agreement, VFS Global will offer core services such as Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa application submissions, and Online Payment Assistance on the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.
In addition to these core services, VFS Global will also provide additional services as required, including remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitization, local addressing, and document delivery. The implementation will occur in two phases, with 59 centres set to be operational by January 1, 2024, and the remaining centres to follow in phase 2, in accordance with the department’s directives.
Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support at the Department of Home Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the longstanding partnership between the department and VFS Global. He noted that VFS Global has consistently demonstrated flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the department. Phillips also expressed anticipation for the continued growth of the partnership and the rollout of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer of VFS Global, highlighted the significance of this global award, emphasizing the company’s commitment to excellence and its trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs in Australia. Vyas also pointed out that VFS Global has been collaborating with the department since 2004 and is dedicated to enhancing the travel experience of individuals heading to Australia from around the world.
Notably, this agreement also marks the inaugural opening of Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region, further expanding the company’s global presence and service capabilities.
This partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and VFS Global is expected to streamline the visa application process, enhance security measures, and provide efficient services to individuals seeking to visit or migrate to Australia. It underscores the importance of technology and outsourcing solutions in modern government operations, facilitating smoother international travel and immigration procedures
