On September 27, 2024, the Australian Government introduced the “Australian Immi App,” a new mobile application designed to streamline the visa application process for citizens of Pacific Island nations. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient solution that enhances mobility and migration opportunities, beginning with a trial phase in selected countries.
The Immi App is set to simplify the visa process for individuals from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and third-country nationals residing in New Zealand. By early 2025, the Australian Government plans to expand the app’s availability to all countries where biometric data collection is standard. Previously, applicants from these regions had to travel to Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCC) in cities like Suva and Lautoka to provide facial images and passport scans. The Immi App eliminates the need for these trips by allowing users to scan their passports, read electronic chips (e-chips), and capture facial images directly from their mobile devices.
Available for free, the app is expected to significantly reduce visa processing times by enabling applicants to submit their facial biometrics immediately after lodging their visa applications, bypassing the need for in-person appointments at biometrics centres. This digital approach not only enhances convenience for applicants but also increases the efficiency of the visa processing system.
Ewen McDonald, the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, highlighted that the app is a direct response to the region’s demand for improved travel mobility, which is crucial for economic development. “This app delivers on our shared goal of improving mobility across the region,” he stated.
Eligibility for using the Immi App includes individuals who have previously submitted their biometric details at an ABCC. Additionally, children under the age of five are eligible to submit their facial biometrics through the app, even if they have not previously attended an ABCC.
The development of the Immi App remains undisclosed, although previous Australian digital identity initiatives, such as the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) app launched in 2018, were developed in collaboration with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, SITA, and the Arq Group.
This initiative underscores Australia’s commitment to leveraging technology to facilitate smoother migration processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the overall experience for Pacific Islanders seeking to travel to and from Australia.
Source: Islands Business
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September 27, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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