The Department of Home Affairs, Australia, has awarded the global biometric collection service across seven regions to VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions.
The agreement spans Australian biometric collection centers (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide including new geographies in addition to existing locations operated by VFS Global. Awarded regions comprise the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. According to the agreement, VFS Global’s core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa application submission, and Online Payment Assistance on the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.
The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking paper digitization, and local addressing and document delivery. The rollout would take place in two broad phases with 59 centres to be operational by January 1, 2024, and the rest under phase 2 in line with the department’s directives.
“Over many years the department and VFS Global have enjoyed a successful partnership, during which VFS Global has continued to demonstrate flexibility as the department’s needs have evolved. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and roll out of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement,” said Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support, Department of Home Affairs.
“This global award is another testament to our business excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. We have been working with the department since 2004 and we will continue to elevate the experience of travellers across the world bound for Australia,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer of VFS Global.
The agreement also marks the maiden opening of Australian biometric collection centers (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region.
Recently, VFS Global also renewed its global visa contract for Sweden. As part of this, Sweden visa applications will be accepted across eight VFS Global visa application centers (VACs) in India including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune.
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