The Australian government fast-tracked visa applications on behalf of wealthy and influential clients of major companies - including Crown Resorts - for nearly 15 years under an agreement that abruptly ended three years ago.

Crown executives and Department of Home Affairs officials now face being hauled before a public inquiry following damaging revelations about the gaming giant's flagship Melbourne casino and claims federal MPs attempted to influence visa approvals for international high-rollers.

Former Crown Resorts employee Jenny Jiang blew the whistle on the powerful organisation on Saturday, alleging Crown's desire to penetrate the lucrative Chinese market was facilitated by Australian consulate staff in China.

The department confirmed on Monday it had struck deals with "a number of large international organisations", including Crown, to quickly process short-stay visas through Australian consulates and embassies around the world.