Home Affairs taps VFS Global for biometric collection

The Department of Home Affairs has contracted VFS Global to operate the federal government’s biometric collection service across 165 locations worldwide.

Under the agreement, VFS Global will provide biometric collection and identity verification services, as well as digital assistance with online visa applications and online payment assistance on Home Affairs’ ImmuniAccount portal.

VFS Global has also agreed to provide additional services as required, including remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation, and local addressing and document delivery.

The rollout of the new capabilities will take place in two phases, with the first 59 centres scheduled to be operational by the start of next year.

Department of Home Affairs Director of In-person Services and Support Anthony Phillips said the contract builds on the Department’s existing relationship with VFS Global.

“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,” he said.

“We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and rollout of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement.”

VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, which operates a global network of more than 3300 application centres in 147 countries.

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