The Department of Home Affairs in Australia has announced the selection of VFS Global, the world’s leading provider of outsourcing and technology services for governments and diplomatic missions, to oversee the global biometric collection service across seven (07) regions. This groundbreaking agreement covers Australian biometric collection centers (ABCC) located at 165 sites worldwide and introduces new locations in addition to existing ones operated by VFS Global. The regions covered by the contract include 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 a range of core services such as Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance for online visa application submissions, and Online Payment Assistance through the Department’s ImmiAccount portal. The company will also provide additional services as needed, including remote interview hosting, document and claim verification, paper digitization, and local addressing and document delivery.
“Over many years the department and VFS Global have enjoyed a successful partnership, during which VFS Global have continued to demonstrate flexibility as the department’s needs have evolved over time. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and roll out of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement,” according to Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support, Department of Home Affairs.
The implementation of this project will unfold in two (02) main phases. The first phase aims to have 59 centers operational by 01 January 2024, with the remaining centers coming online in phase two, in accordance with the department’s directives. This landmark agreement also marks the inaugural establishment of Australian biometric collection centers (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region.
VFS Global, known as the trusted partner of 70 client governments, operates a vast global network with more than 3,300 Application Centers spanning 147 countries. The company’s rich history since its inception in 2001 boasts processing over 268 million applications for visas, passports, and consular services, relieving client governments of non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to these applications. With headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, VFS Global has become synonymous with streamlining governmental processes.
“This global award is another testament of 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 to Australia,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer VFS Global.
Funds managed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, is the majority owner of VFS Global. The company is renowned for its commitment to creating positive economic impact and long-term value. Blackstone’s US$991B in assets under management encompasses investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets, and secondary funds, all on a global scale. In addition, minority stakes in VFS Global are held by the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, a global investment organization headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.