2016-Jan 29: Henderson Counter Closure and UKVI Biometrics Arrangements in Auckland

Visa Pak 244: Information about the closure of the public counter at the Henderson branch, and the transfer of UKVI Biometric collection to the Auckland Central Office.

Visa Paks

29 January 2016

Henderson Counter Closure and UKVI Biometrics Arrangements in Auckland

This article advises of the closure of the Henderson Area Office (HAO) counter from Friday 12 February, and the transfer of UK biometrics capture to the Auckland Central Area Office (ACAO) effective from Tuesday 16 February.

This follows a review of the viability of the HAO counter operation, and agreement that the small amount of foot traffic can be absorbed by ACAO, with a small amount of overflow to the Manukau Area Office.

From 15 February, HAO will no longer offer a drop box or forms service, and the counter area will be closed. The change won’t have any detrimental impact on licensed immigration advisers and lawyers who currently make very little use of the counter and have alternative ways of interacting with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on urgent matters. Access to the office will still exist for customers and stakeholders arriving for pre-arranged meetings or interviews. Signage is in place already at the office advising of this change, and stakeholders have been advised.

UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) have agreed to INZ relocating biometric services to ACAO from this time, and so this change won’t have a significant impact on this customer group.

The Immigration Contact Centre will be provided with additional information for customers (expected to be mostly Auckland-based advisers and lawyers) enquiring about the change, and the alternatives available to them.

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