Cook Islands Immigration recently conducted testing sessions for Module 2 of ASYPX, the online visa and permit application system, with key stakeholders. The sessions took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) from Tuesday, September 3, to Thursday, September 5, and included participants from both the public and private sectors.

In a statement, Chere Arthur, principal immigration officer, said: “It was important to take the time to run these sessions with key stakeholders to ensure the platform can deliver the outcomes Cook Islands Immigration has been working towards over the past two years.”

The online visa and permit system has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible, closely mirroring the existing paper-based application process, the statement said. This ensures that users with basic computer skills can navigate the platform with ease and confidence.

During the testing sessions, stakeholders explored various features of the system, including user registration, completion of sponsorship and visa applications, credit card payments, invoicing, and the ability to download, print, or view visas, invoices, and receipts.

Twila Ruther, a private sector representative, praised the system, stating, “The ASYPX online visa and permit system user testing was invaluable for both the public and private sectors. The facilitator’s guidance and openness to feedback ensured a productive session. From a private sector perspective, the system’s functionality will significantly streamline our visa and permit application process.”

Phillip Metuariki, immigration operations manager, said “We received valuable feedback and suggestions from stakeholders and are currently working with our developers, UNCTAD, to address potential enhancements before the platform’s official launch later this month.”

Meanwhile the public is advised that Immigration offices will be closed on Friday, September 13 (today) and Friday, September 20, for staff training.  

Training sessions for Immigration staff to date have focused on the front end of the system – from the customers point of view, the statement said.  The remaining training sessions for immigration staff will focus on back-end processing to ensure understanding by staff of the processes including verification of payments, sponsorship and visa applications through to the cancellation of visas when sponsorship and employment ends. 

MFAI will provide further confirmation regarding the official launch date of the online visa and permit application system in due course.