Australian visas may be approved by private companies for. (SBS pictures)
Australia`s visa-approval services will invite tenders from the private sector, which may even include the transfer of citizen naturalization applications to private companies.
The Ministry of the Interior today released tender documents hoping to have a new platform to manage visa applications, decision-making and attract potential tourists and immigrants, the Australian Federation reported.
"Australia`s government will continue to extend the platform to long-term visas and ultimately include naturalization options in the future," the tender said.
The document also stressed that private sector participation in visa approvals does not mean privatizing Australia`s visa regime or decision-making.
"Australia needs a visa system that is easier to understand, better suited to the rapidly growing needs of visitors, and flexible enough to continue to be a competitive destination for temporary visitors," he said. And to attract the long-term immigrants Australia needs. "
"this platform must be flexible and able to adapt quickly and effectively to government policy changes."
In addition, the Ministry of the Interior will continue to be responsible for all visa decisions, national security and risk assessments, and receipt of all income from applications.
In October, it was reported that senior Australian officials had been concerned that the aging infrastructure of the Home Office would not keep pace with the exponential increase in the number of visa applications. The Home Office is finalising contracts with private companies to run a new online visa application system. Interior ministry officials told the Senate review committee at the time that they were waiting for the (Scott Morrison) cabinet to approve the plan before choosing a company to sign a potentially lucrative contract with it. The contract aims to create a global digital system for visa applications in Australia.
More than 10 companies are said to have expressed interest in the project. The project requires companies to invest A $100 million over a 10-year period, but promises more substantial returns over a period of time.
Speaking on Senate hearings at the time, Petzoro (Michael Pezzullo), under-Secretary of the Interior, said that the number of people who wanted to visit Australia and who lived or worked for it had increased significantly. Under this pressure, visa application system is getting worse and harder to operate.
The Federal Labour Party, however, has a different view. They fear that outsourcing visa platforms will eventually lead to automation and privatisation of visa decisions.
But Mr. Pezorro insisted that if the plan were to be implemented, it would still be up to the Ministry of the Interior to make a visa decision.
Assistant to the Ministry of the Interior, minister, Senator Reynolds (Linda Reynolds) also stressed at the time that visa decisions were still in the hands of Ministry of the Interior officials, adding that government`s policy was not aimed at privatizing the visa system. Instead, look for private partners who can assist government in computer systems.
