The Australian Government has introduced a new mobile application aimed at simplifying the visa application process for Pacific Island countries, as announced in a joint statement from Fiji’s Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration and the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The “Australian Immi App” is designed to enhance access, mobility, and migration opportunities for these nations, making it more economical.
Fijians will benefit from a more straightforward visa application procedure, minimizing the need to travel to collection centers and expediting processing times. Fiji, along with Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and third-country nationals from New Zealand, has been selected to participate in the initial trial of the app. Following an evaluation, the app’s usage is expected to expand in early 2025 to include all countries currently involved in biometric data collection.
The announcement coincided with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to Australia last year. The app streamlines the process for visa applicants regarding biometric data collection, ultimately saving them both time and money.
Once implemented, applicants will no longer need to visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Suva or Lautoka for each visa application. Instead, the app allows users to scan the biographic page of their passport, read the passport’s e-chip when available, and capture their facial image.
Pio Tikoduadua, Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, expressed support for the app, noting it represents a significant advancement in facilitating access and mobility for Fijians looking to travel or work in Australia. He emphasized that the launch of the “Australian Immi App” aligns well with Fiji’s objectives to improve connectivity, boost economic opportunities, and fortify the Vuvale Partnership between the two countries.
The app is free to use, helping to lower the costs associated with visa applications. It is expected to also shorten processing times, as users can provide their facial images immediately after submitting their applications, bypassing the need for appointments and travel to collection centers.
After their application submission, eligible applicants will receive information that allows them to either utilize the app or attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre to submit their data.
Ewen McDonald, the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, remarked on the importance of improved access and mobility in the region, highlighting the app’s role in facilitating travel, which is vital for economic growth and connectivity.
To use the app, applicants must have previously submitted their biometrics at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre and possess a valid passport. Additionally, children under five years old can submit their facial biometrics and passport information through the app, even if they have not visited an ABCC before.