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Tag: VFS Global

  • VFS Global expands smart visa services for Nigerian group travellers

    VFS Global expands smart visa services for Nigerian group travellers

    Visa service provider VFS Global has introduced a wider range of technology-driven solutions designed to ease application processes for group and individual travellers across the country.

    The company, which manages visa and consular operations for several governments, says the rising number of sports teams, corporate groups, families and leisure travellers seeking more flexible and convenient services has prompted the expansion.

    “Our mission is to ensure that every traveller’s journey begins smoothly, supported by technology, security and trust,” said Siddharth Mehra, Chief Operating Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa. He noted that the firm had strengthened its offerings in Nigeria to provide what he described as flexible and reliable visa submission experiences.

    One of the increasingly popular options is the Visa At Your Doorstep service — referred to as On-Demand Mobile Visa for UK applications — which allows applicants to complete their documentation and biometrics from any preferred location. The service has been used by corporate teams, students and families seeking coordinated submissions.

    A spokesperson for Remo Stars FC, who recently used the service for a group booking, commended the process, describing it as “seamless and efficiently managed,” with staff providing adequate support for players during the submission.

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    VFS Global has also expanded its Premium Application Centres in Enugu, Kano, Ibadan and Port Harcourt, complementing its main centres in Lagos and Abuja. 

    The centres provide a quieter, more private environment for applicants and offer optional services such as document-scanning support, real-time notifications and courier return of passports.

    For travellers who require more flexibility, the firm offers Prime Time Appointments, enabling submissions outside regular working hours, including evenings and weekends. Its Premium Lounge service also provides a dedicated, personalised submission experience.

    According to the company, the solutions are supported by its Live Identity Processing technology, designed to ensure biometric accuracy and secure handling of applicants’ data.

  • VFS Global acquires Cix stake to boost public service excellence abroad

    VFS Global acquires Cix stake to boost public service excellence abroad

    VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a leading provider of digital and physical citizen services based in Brazil. This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal step in VFS Global’s expansion journey as it continues to broaden its capabilities and deepen its impact in the public service delivery space.

    With nearly two decades of pioneering innovation in citizen services, CiX has established a strong presence in Brazil. This success will be further scaled across other global markets, including Africa, leveraging VFS Global’s international reach and operational excellence.

    This acquisition is centred on driving transformation through advanced digital technologies, including AI and data-driven platforms. By uniting CiX’s cutting-edge digital capabilities with VFS Global’s extensive global infrastructure and expertise in managing complex service ecosystems, we are positioned to deliver next-generation, integrated solutions to public and private sector clients around the world.

    For both companies’ client governments and partners, this will lead to enhanced, tailored solutions that improve citizen engagement, access, and satisfaction.

    Sergio Rodrigues, CEO of CiX Citizen Services, said, “Partnering with VFS Global will supercharge our growth. With access to their capital, technology, talent, and global reach, we can rapidly expand across Latin America and beyond. This collaboration is about scaling CiX Citizen Experience, delivering even more intuitive, efficient, and accessible government services. Our goal is to simplify citizens’ lives with a combination of physical and digital solutions that also bring agility and savings for governments worldwide.”

    Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, added, “We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition, which will be value accretive for both companies – for CiX Citizen Experience and VFS Global. VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serves 69 client governments, and has a workforce of nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities. Access to all of this and our technological capabilities will provide the launchpad for Cix Citizen Experience in its next phase of growth to become a global powerhouse. Our collaboration will transform citizen services worldwide, driving efficiency and inclusivity. It highlights VFS Global’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance citizens’ quality of life and build renewed trust in governments.”

    Read Also: VFS Global partners SAP to boost digital visa, mobility services

    Since its founding in 2008, CiX Citizen Experience has established itself as a pioneer in public services, managing over 250 service centres across Brazil. The company offers more than 200 types of services to states and municipalities, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of government services.

    Over the years, CiX Citizen Experience has served over 150 million citizens, issuing more than 30 million identity cards and 20 million driver’s licenses. With operations in key regions such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Ceará, Cix Citizen Experience continues to lead the way in digital and physical public service solutions, driving innovation and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.

    VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has significantly expanded its global footprint. With over 3,600 Application Centres in 158 countries, VFS Global has processed more than 311 million applications since its inception in 2001.

    In 2023, the company secured seven major global contracts, including a landmark agreement with the UK government as the exclusive overseas provider to manage visa and citizenship services across 142 countries. Additionally, VFS Global won contracts with the governments of Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in delivering secure, efficient, and innovative solutions for visa and consular services worldwide.

  • VFS Global partners SAP to boost digital visa, mobility services

    VFS Global partners SAP to boost digital visa, mobility services

    VFS Global, a major provider of visa, consular, and technology services to governments and diplomatic missions, is set to adopt SAP software in a move aimed at improving digital cross-border mobility and citizen services.

    Cross-border mobility and citizen services are becoming increasingly digital, and governments are looking into the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and sovereign security. To accelerate its innovation road map and help governments meet the increasingly complex needs of travellers and citizens, VFS Global is adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and other SAP solutions.

    “We take great pride in partnering with SAP as a leading and trusted technology and AI company,” said Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO of VFS Global. “By combining our deep expertise in visa, consular and citizen services with SAP’s world-class solutions, we empower governments to enhance efficiency, strengthen security and enable seamless mobility for millions of travellers around the world.”

    “With SAP solutions at its core, VFS will be able to leverage the latest innovations to become an even stronger partner for governments, travellers and citizens worldwide,” said Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE.

    In line with its vision to embrace technological innovation to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, VFS Global has also chosen SAP Business Technology Platform and the SAP Business Data Cloud solution to deliver leading-edge and AI-powered solutions to its customers and to drive operational excellence across its global operations.

    Read Also: VFS Global launches Japan visa services in Nigeria

    “By combining the strengths of VFS Global and SAP, we are elevating cross-border mobility and citizen services to the next level”, said Michael Nilles, member of the VFS executive board and chief digital and technology officer.

    “Strategically, this positions us as a leading force in shaping the future of GovTech and TravelTech, powered by technology and AI innovations that benefit governments, travellers and citizens worldwide,” he added.

  • VFS Global launches Japan visa services in Nigeria

    VFS Global launches Japan visa services in Nigeria

    VFS Global, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, has announced the introduction of Japan visa application services for Nigerian residents.

    The Japan Visa Application Centres in Abuja and Lagos will officially commence operations on March 3, 2025.

    According to a statement by the company, the centres will handle document submissions for both short-term and long-term Japan visas by prior appointment.

    This initiative aims to streamline the visa application process for Nigerian travelers seeking to visit Japan.

    It said: “To improve convenience, VFS Global will offer a range of optional services, including a Premium Lounge for personalized assistance, courier services for document delivery, and SMS alerts for application status updates. Additional services such as photocopying, professional photography, and high-quality printing will also be available within the centres.

    Read Also: VFS Global earns great place to work certification in Nigeria

    “Applicants must attend their visa application appointment in person and arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Only applicants and one accompanying parent or caregiver for minors under 18 will be allowed entry into the centre.

    “VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is strictly administrative, handling document submissions while the final decision on visa approvals remains with the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria. The company currently provides visa services for Japan in 13 countries through 38 visa application centres worldwide.”

    Speaking on the development, Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, highlighted the company’s longstanding collaboration with the Government of Japan since 2010.

    “These centres will play a crucial role in catering to the growing demand for travel to Japan, one of the most popular destinations in the world. We are confident that this expansion will enhance the customer experience, making the visa application process smoother and more efficient,” he said.

    The new visa centres in Nigeria mark another step in facilitating seamless travel for Nigerians looking to visit Japan, ensuring a structured and efficient application process.

  • VFS Global earns great place to work certification in Nigeria

    VFS Global earns great place to work certification in Nigeria

    VFS Global, a global leader in visa and consular services, has been officially recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified™ company in Nigeria for the period spanning October 2024 to October 2025. This esteemed certification is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to creating a strong, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture, not just in Nigeria, but across its global operations.

    The Great Place to Work® Certification™ is based on employee feedback and a thorough evaluation of the organization’s workplace culture. It recognizes companies that excel in building environments where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. For VFS Global, this acknowledgment marks a significant achievement, as it reflects the positive impact of its ongoing human resource initiatives, which are designed to enhance employee satisfaction, foster growth, and build a culture of inclusion.

    One of the key factors contributing to VFS Global’s successful certification in Nigeria is the company’s focus on creating an employee-first work environment. According to Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer at VFS Global, the organization has always emphasized the importance of offering meaningful work and fostering a culture that supports both professional development and personal growth. “This certification reflects our commitment to employee-focused policies. We have crafted roles that not only offer meaningful work but also pave the way for successful careers within a diverse and inclusive environment,” said Goel.

    In Nigeria, VFS Global has earned exceptional ratings from its employees on several key parameters. The company’s workforce in the country expressed high levels of trust and faith in the management, with many employees acknowledging the efforts made to ensure that they feel safe, welcome, and equipped for success. The overwhelming majority of employees in Nigeria reported that they felt proud to work at VFS Global, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the company’s leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture.

    The Great Place to Work® Certification™ for Nigeria is just one part of VFS Global’s broader commitment to excellence across multiple regions. This year, VFS Global has also received similar certifications in other countries, including China, India, the Philippines, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscoring the company’s global focus on creating a supportive and inclusive professional environment wherever it operates.

    In addition to the Great Place to Work® Certification™, VFS Global has been recognized with several prestigious awards in Nigeria, further affirming the company’s dedication to excellence in human resource practices. Notable awards include the HR Expo Africa 2024 Work Festival Award for ‘Category Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’, which recognizes the company’s efforts in creating a workplace that embraces diversity and promotes equality for all employees. Additionally, VFS Global was awarded the Employers Excellence Award 2023 in the Consultancy, Outsourcing, and Human Capital Services industry category. These accolades showcase VFS Global’s reputation as an employer of choice in Nigeria and demonstrate its leadership in promoting progressive HR practices.

    Taiwo ‘Dayo-Abatan, Regional HR Head for Sub-Saharan Africa, also reflected on the importance of employee initiatives in achieving the Great Place to Work® Certification™. “The award is a testament to our ongoing employee initiatives in the country. These initiatives include the recent hiring of 60 university graduates from Nigeria under the Nigeria Jubilee Foundation Program, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme,” said Dayo-Abatan. The hiring initiative, which took place on October 25, 2024, is aimed at empowering Nigerian youth by providing them with employability skills, work readiness training, and the opportunity to contribute to their communities through corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

    VFS Global’s workforce in Nigeria is a vital part of its broader operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 250 employees in the country. This accounts for a third of the company’s total workforce in the region. The organization’s success in Nigeria serves as a model for its operations across Africa, demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating sustainable career opportunities for local talent, investing in employee growth, and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.

    The recognition of VFS Global as a Great Place to Work® Certified™ company in Nigeria is not just a milestone for the company but also a reflection of its dedication to creating a thriving work environment where employees are motivated to contribute to the company’s success. The certification and awards further reinforce VFS Global’s position as a leader in the human resources space, with a clear focus on employee well-being, career growth, and organizational excellence.

    As VFS Global continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its workforce globally, the company remains committed to improving its workplace culture and developing innovative HR practices that ensure every employee reaches their highest potential. The Great Place to Work® Certification™ serves as an important milestone in this ongoing journey of growth, development, and employee satisfaction.

  • VFS Global processes its 300 millionth application

    VFS Global processes its 300 millionth application

    VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has crossed the 300 million applications milestone. Notably, the last 100 million applications have been achieved in the past 5 years despite the pandemic-driven travel slow-down of 2020-2022.

    In 2023 alone, the company processed 24.1 million applications, 35% more than in 2022. (Source: ISR 2023), and between January to May 2024, it has processed approximately 100,000 applications a day.

    Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said: “We are very pleased and honoured with the achievement of this milestone, which is a testament to the trust 69 governments have in VFS Global, and a testament to the reliable, secure and innovative services we provide across 153 countries. We are also deeply grateful to all visa applicants using our services.

    “Over the past year, we are honoured to have won several important contracts, including becoming the exclusive overseas visa outsourcing partner for UK Visas and DHA Australia, and contracts with Germany, Finland, Portugal, and Japan who have renewed their trust in us. We remain deeply committed to continuing investments in technology and human capital development to ensure continuous enhancement of our services.”

    From managing 60 client governments in 2019, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 69 governments comprising long-term partnerships with 25 governments for over 15 years. Last year, VFS Global was honoured to have won a record seven global visa outsourcing contracts – for the UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria – further cementing client governments’ trust in the organisation’s highly secure, efficient, and innovative solutions and its overall value proposition.

    Innovation and technology are a founding pillar for VFS Global, a company that conceptualised and created the business segment of outsourced visa services with its inception in 2001. For instance, the company has introduced 16 unique digital solutions and built robust end-to-end eVisa platforms for 12 sovereign governments.

     Likewise, it pioneered biometric capabilities, another stellar example of innovation and adapting to changing market dynamics. VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 140 million biometric enrolments since 2007. Today as more governments look to integrating biometric enrollment in their visa application process, VFS Global has further developed its capabilities with Multi-Mission Model (MMM) biometric kits.

    Currently, the organisation is strategically focused on leveraging GenAI-led capabilities to bring more efficiency to the customer journey. After partnering with the Responsible AI Institute to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI, the market leader has set up an AI hub in Mumbai and Dubai with one more – in Berlin in the pipeline.

  • VFS Global launches new visa application centres in Nigeria

    VFS Global launches new visa application centres in Nigeria

    VFS Global has officially opened its new Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Nigeria, catering to residents travelling to the United Kingdom.

    The state-of-the-art facilities, located in Abuja, Ikeja (Lagos), and Victoria Island (Lagos), began operations on November 19, 2024. These new centres are designed to provide a seamless experience for visa applicants, ensuring faster processing and a more comfortable application environment.

    Commenting at the launch of the new UK Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, Mr. Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UKVI, said: “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa. In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225k UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants; I’m delighted to be here in person as we celebrate this important moment together with our customers and partners.”

    British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said: “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

    Mr. Alok Singhal, Head-Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, added: “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services.”

    Read Also: Visa scams spike amid travel boom, VFS Global warns applicants

    The UK is a popular destination for travellers across Africa, with Nigeria being in the top four nationalities by volume for UK visit visas, accounting for 5% of the global total*. In the African region, VFS Global will also provide Visa Application Centres for the UK in 31 countries.

    UK visa customers can now choose from optional services offered by VFS Global, to provide enhanced comfort and convenience. These include document upload assistance, Prime Time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made. VFS Global’s Keep My Passport While Applying service allows customers to keep their passports once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled. Customers will only need to re-submit their passports when a decision is reached.

    Customers in Abuja can also submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their home, office, or any other preferred location with our On Demand Mobile Visa service. In addition, our Premium Lounge service offers personalised submission experience with dedicated staff members.

    The services can be booked in advance at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/gbr/or at the Visa Application Centre at the time of the appointment. These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.

    As a partner to UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, VFS Global offered visa services in 58 countries before the new contract and has now been awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide.