In 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) implemented module one of their border management system ASYPX at the Rarotonga International Airport replacing the previous system
MFAI, in collaboration with the United Nations Trade and Development Organisation (UNCTAD) have been progressing the development of the 2nd module of ASYPX, being the online visa and permit application system. The new online system is one initiative to modernise immigration services and customers will see a gradual shift from the current manual process to online applications. The change will overtime significantly reduce the need for stakeholders and customers to require in office appointments with an Immigration Officer.
“The inevitable shift to an online platform will enhance the user experience and convenience for submitting both sponsorship and visa applications,” said Principal Immigration Officer, Chere Arthur. “In addition to the streamlined application process, there is a user-friendly dashboard where applicants can monitor their pending applications, download visa approvals, receipts, and invoices.”
Cook Islands Immigration are currently running in-house testing with Immigration Officers, providing them with a general overview of the system and taking on any feedback or suggestions to assist with the final development.
Next week Cook Islands Immigration will host stakeholders from both the Public and Private sectors running a similar testing session over three days. These sessions aim to gather their valuable feedback on the new online system that will feed into any final improvements to the design and function. “It has been an exciting journey and we are elated to reach this point. The system’s current functionality is almost two years of development and we are pleased with the outcome. We look forward to sitting down with our stakeholders and capturing feedback as part of any potential enhancements,” said Immigration Operations Manager, Phillip Metuariki.
Cook Islands Immigration look to launch their online application system by mid-September.