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In a significant development, the Department of Home Affairs in Australia has awarded the global biometric collection service contract to VFS Global, the leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions.
This extensive agreement, spanning Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC), covers 165 locations worldwide, including both new and existing VFS Global-operated sites. The contract encompasses seven regions: the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Under the terms of the agreement, VFS Global’s core services will encompass Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance for online visa application submission, and Online Payment Assistance via the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.
Furthermore, the company will provide additional services on an as-needed basis, such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation, local addressing, and document delivery. The rollout of services will occur in two phases, with 59 centers set to be operational by January 1, 2024, followed by the remaining centers in phase 2, aligning with the department’s directives.
Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support at the Department of Home Affairs, commented, “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 over time. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and the rollout of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement.”
In India, VFS Global accepts Sweden visa applications at eight visa application centers (VACs) located in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune. Since 2019, VFS Global has processed nearly 500,000 visa applications on behalf of the Government of Sweden. The company has processed over 266 million applications since its inception in 2001.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer, VFS Global, stated, “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 travelers across the world bound for Australia.” In addition, this agreement marks the inaugural 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. The Sweden visa applications will be accepted at eight VFS Global visa application centers (VACs) in India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune.
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