For immediate release

31 October 2011

AVAC opens in Lae, Morobe Province

The second Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Papua New Guinea opened for business in Lae, Morobe Province on Monday, October 31 2011.

The AVAC office is located within the Central Court Building on 7th Street.

“I am pleased to announce the opening of an Australian Visa Application Centre in Lae. I am especially happy to say that travellers in Lae will now find it considerably easier to gain access to visa services,” Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish AM said.

The first AVAC was opened in Port Moresby in September. Both centres will result in faster processing of applications and demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to high-quality service in PNG.

The changes to the way the Australian Government delivers services have seen visa lodgement hours extended to 8.30am-4.30pm on weekdays, almost double previous times. Phone lines are also open to handle travellers’ questions and enquiries from 8.30am until 7pm weekdays.

The use of an AVAC in other overseas locations has provided benefits including improved client services and processing efficiencies. Additional services will include an SMS alert service, internet kiosks, photocopying, and the issuing of passport photographs.

Staff at the centres are trained to a professional standard, and applicants’ personal information will be protected in line with Australia’s privacy rules.

The AVAC will have no involvement in the decision-making process. All applications will continue to be assessed and decided by the Visa and Immigration Office at the Australian High Commission in accordance with migration legislation and policy.