Australia Visa: VFS Global Expands Biometric Services in Europe and Africa

VFS Global, a global leader in outsourcing and technology services for governments, has been appointed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to roll out biometric collection centers across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

This new development makes VFS Global the exclusive biometric collection service provider for Australian visa applicants across all nine global regions, including Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

What Is Biometric Collection Services?

Biometric collection services involve capturing an individual’s unique physical traits, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans, for identification purposes. These services are essential for verifying identity in various applications, including visa processing, immigration, and security checks, ensuring accurate and secure documentation.

Expansion Across 13 Countries by 2025

The new biometric collection services for Australia Visa will be available at 23 locations in 13 countries across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa by February 2025.

The remaining 13 countries in these regions will have their services established at a later date, in consultation with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

This expansion follows the earlier appointment of VFS Global in August 2023 to provide biometric services in seven other regions: the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

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Core and Additional Services Offered

Under the agreement, VFS Global will provide a range of essential services to Australian visa applicants, including:

• Biometric Collection and Identity Verification
• Digital Assistance with submitting visa applications online through the ImmiAccount portal
• Online Payment Assistance for visa application fees

Additionally, VFS Global will offer extra services such as:

• Hosting remote interviews
• Document and claim verification
• Paper digitization
• Local addressing and document delivery

These services aim to streamline the visa application process for Australian applicants in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Also Read: VFS Global to Provide Algeria Visa Services In India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka

A Global Milestone for VFS Global

With this latest agreement, VFS Global has cemented its position as the exclusive biometric collection provider for Australian visa applications across all nine regions globally.

Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, expressed pride in this achievement, stating:

“Securing these two regions is a testament to our dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. This decision not only reflects our ability to meet the highest standards but also reinforces our resolve to deliver innovative solutions. Under the Department’s guidance, we will continue to elevate the experience of Australian applicants across the world.”

Collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs

The Australian Department of Home Affairs, represented by Anthony Phillips, Director Offshore Service Delivery Partners Section, is pleased with the continued partnership with VFS Global. He emphasized that the collaboration will ensure high-quality biometric collection and visa support services for applicants worldwide.

Conclusion

This strategic expansion by VFS Global will enhance the visa application process for Australian applicants in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a seamless experience through advanced biometric services.

By February 2025, 23 new centers will be operational, further solidifying VFS Global’s role as a trusted partner for the Australian government in providing essential visa services worldwide.