Joint visa application centre for Bali

Immigration services to Australia and New Zealand from Bali will be broadened through a new visa centre opening from August 29.

Both countries’ immigration departments today announced details of a Five Country Conference (FCC) shared visa application centre (VAC) there.

Australia and New Zealand will share the facility with the United Kingdom.

The FCC nations of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the United States work together to enhance the integrity, security and efficiency of their immigration and border services to improve client services and reduce costs.

A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship said the VAC would provide more convenient access to immigration and citizenship services for clients in this region.

“These services will include extended operating hours with phones open until 4pm weekdays, and internet kiosks with an online application tracking facility so clients can view the status of their applications,” the spokesman said.

“All applications will continue to be assessed and decided by immigration staff at both the Australian and New Zealand embassies. VAC staff will not be involved in decisions or have any knowledge of application outcomes.”

The spokesman said the use of shared visa application facilities would lead to improved services for clients of each country and would also achieve greater efficiencies through shared infrastructure and staffing.

“Savings achieved this way are ultimately able to be passed on to our clients,” the spokesman said.

Each country has agreed to share a global network of visa application centres.

From August 29, the visa application centre in Bali will be located at Benoa Square 3rd floor No. 7-9.3/A, Jalan Bypass, Gusti Ngurah Rai No. 21A, Kedonganan, Kuta, Bali.

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Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175