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VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service provider for governments and diplomatic missions, has been appointed to roll out biometric collection centres across Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent statement. The appointment was made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to enhance the visa application process in the region.
This latest expansion follows VFS Global’s previous appointment in August 2023 to deliver biometric collection services in seven global regions, including the Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. With the addition of Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, VFS Global now serves as the exclusive provider of biometric collection services for Australian visa applicants across all nine designated regions worldwide.
The new Sub-Saharan Africa initiative will see VFS Global establish biometric collection centres in seven key countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. A total of 12 centres will be set up across 13 countries by February 2025, making biometric services accessible to a broader range of Australian visa applicants throughout the region.
VFS Global’s responsibilities in the region will include core services such as Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance for online visa application submissions, and Online Payment Assistance via the Department’s ImmiAccount portal. Additionally, they will offer optional services like remote interview hosting, document and claim verification, paper digitisation, local addressing, and document delivery.
Anthony Phillips, Director of Offshore Service Delivery Partners Section at the Department of Home Affairs, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with VFS Global to include Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our collaboration ensures high-quality biometric collection and visa support services for our visa applicants globally.”
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, emphasised the significance of securing these regions, saying, “This decision reflects our commitment to excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and enhancing the experience for Australian visa applicants worldwide.”
With the roll-out of biometric services in Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global continues to strengthen its role as a key player in the international visa services industry, ensuring a seamless and efficient visa application process for Australian applicants across the globe.
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