The agreement covers Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide

The Department of Home Affairs in Australia has selected VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, to provide global biometric collection services across seven regions. The agreement covers Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide, including both new and existing sites operated by VFS Global. The awarded regions encompass the Americas, Mekong, Middle East, North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This agreement also marks the first-ever opening of Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region. 

Under the terms of the agreement, VFS Global will offer core services such as biometric collection and identity verification, digital assistance for online visa application submissions, and online payment assistance through the department's Imm Account portal. Additionally, the company will provide supplementary services, including remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitization, local addressing, and document delivery. The rollout will occur in two phases, with 59 centres scheduled to be operational by January 1, 2024, and the remainder in phase two in alignment with the department's directives.

Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support at the Department of Home Affairs, expressed optimism about the continued partnership with VFS Global, citing the company's flexibility in adapting to the department's evolving needs. "We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and the rollout of the biometrics collection programme under the new agreement," said Phillips.

Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer of VFS Global, welcomed the global award as a testament to the company's business excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs. VFS Global has collaborated with the department since 2004 and is committed to enhancing the travel experience for individuals bound for Australia.

In addition to this achievement, VFS Global recently renewed its global visa contract for Sweden. As part of this renewal, Sweden visa applications will be accepted at eight VFS Global visa application centres (VACs) in India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune.