The launch of the Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for the immigration function of the Department of Justice took place yesterday.

The new online system enables immigration customers to book and amend first-time registration appointments, replacing the need for them to call a contact centre to arrange such an appointment.

It also allows people to check the status of their applications, and over time will allow people to raise queries in relation to visas, registration, domestic residence permissions, travel documents, EU treaty rights and citizenship applications.

At present, almost half of queries received by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) in the Department are customers seeking updates on their applications.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of the Digital Contact Centre as it marks a significant milestone in the digitisation of the immigration function of my Department.

“This new innovative and streamlined online platform will replace old helpdesk systems and will enable my Department to handle queries faster and provide a more efficient service to our customers.”

She added: “Today’s announcement is a significant step in my Department’s immigration modernisation programme and I am delighted to make our services more accessible and responsive to the public’s needs.

“Putting our customers at the heart of our work is a driving factor for this investment and modernisation.”