DIAC closes its Gold Coast office.
The Australian Department of Immigration (DIAC) has announced that its planned closure of the Gold Coast office will not affect the immigration services it provides to the region.
The closure is scheduled for mid 2011 with the loss of 19 staff. However DIAC say that none of the employees will lose their jobs as they have the opportunity to relocate elsewhere in the department. Furthermore a counter service will continue to be provided in Brisbane and the DIAC say that with award-winning online services, the need for an over-the-counter service has decreased.
There will also continue to be a service at the Gold Coast airport based at Coolangatta to provide for all international flights.
The DIAC deny that the closure will affect international students based in and around the Gold Coast. A spokesman commented: “As long as international students abide by their visa conditions, they can apply online for visa extensions or notify us of any changes in their circumstances without visiting a DIAC office in person.”
The DIAC also claim that the majority of people who use the counter service in the Gold Coast were students, visitors and backpackers and that most of the enquiries could be solved online or over the telephone.
There are currently fourteen DIAC offices throughout Australia providing services such as visa extensions and advice. Once the Gold Coast office is closed, there will remain three offices servicing Queensland; Brisbane, Cairns and Thursday Island.
Students, migrants and visitors to Australia can now get access to most visa services online by visiting the DIAC website, or by telephone: 131 881 from inside Australia and 1300 364 613 for international enquiries. Lines are manned Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. Or you can read our Australia visa guide or ask one of our embrace community members for advice.
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