Cook Islands Immigration is set to launch an online visa and permit application system, much to the relief of local businesses and visa applicants.

Immigration is running in-house testing with its officers, providing them with a general overview of the system and taking on any feedback or suggestions to assist with the final development.

According to a statement, the Cook Islands Immigration is looking to launch its online application system by mid-September.

Principal immigration officer Chere Arthur said: “The inevitable shift to an online platform will enhance the user experience and convenience for submitting both sponsorship and visa applications.”

“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.”

Liana Scott, the president of the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, welcomed the move.

“Very overdue from original planned date, however good to see Immigration keeping up with the times,” said Scott, the general manager of the Muri Beach Club Hotel.

“Some larger employers have been invited to go through a training session prior to launch and offer feedback before it goes online.”

Cook Islands Immigration will host stakeholders from both the public and private sectors running a similar testing session over three days next week.  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.

Cook Islands Immigration operations manager Phillip Metuariki said: “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.”

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 second 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 MFAI statement said.

“The change will overtime significantly reduce the need for stakeholders and customers to require in office appointments with an Immigration Officer.”