The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Visa

  • Firm petitions South African High Commission over visa refusal

    THE  Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Hartford Consulting, Mr. Adebayo Akinwunmi, has petitioned the South African High Commission “to re-consider its hard stance” on issuance of visa to its employees.

    The firm, in a statement, said:”Both the Nigerian and South African companies involved in this project stand to lose huge funds should the project be cancelled”.

    Akinwunmi added:”On April 16, 2015, my company applied for entry visas to South Africa for three of our staff to attend a scheduled training for April 27 – May 8, 2015, with a letter supporting our application from our partner: CQS (Pty) Ltd, Dunkeld West, South Africa. It was however, surprising that despite fulfilling the visa requirements, no visa was issued and the reason given was that the date for the training had passed.

    “In making sure no excuses were given by the High Commission which was already foot-dragging on the visaissuance when the original training date drewnear, Hartford had pre-emptively informed CQS to change the date and was obliged which both companies adequately communicated to the High Commission with proof of acknowledgement.

    “We are implementing a technology project in partnership with CQS. My team working with CQS on this project were scheduled to attend training in South Africa as part of the project and obligations of CQS but their visas were denied.

    “This is a critical stage for the project hence this visa denial and the consequent inability to attend this particular training poses a major risk of cancellation to the agreement with CQS which will not be able to meet part of its obligations on the project which is to deliver knowledge transfer to effectively provide local content and support for the project. I personally contacted the Embassy and was put on hold for 35 minutes without success. I later wrote them and received a couple of emails acknowledging my mail with promises to get back to me. I am yet to receive further correspondence on the matter and it has been over three weeks now.”

  • South Africa visa application centre opens in Rivers

    South Africa visa application centre opens in Rivers

    South Africa has opened a new visa application centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Mokgethi Monaisa, Consul-General of South Africa in Nigeria  said that with the  rising number of  visa applications  in Nigeria,  the  setting  up  of the  Visa Application  Centre  in  Port  Harcourt  will  be  critical station  for applicants  in Rivers and  adjoining  states.

    In his remarks, High Commissioner to  Nigeria, Mr Lulu  Mnguni  called  for the development  of  tourism  ties between  Nigeria  and  South  Africa. He said such tourism  ties would improve  relations between the  two  countries.

    He noted that  the  Visa Application  Centre  in  Port  Harcourt  will eliminate  the  distance barrier hitherto  experienced  by those in Port Harcourt  and the  South  South  states who hitherto  travelled to  Lagos  for their visas.

    Rivers  State  Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has  commended  the  South African Government  for sending  a clear message  that the State  is safe for business  by opening  a visa application  centre  in the  state.

  • Visa, Airtel partner on mobile payments

    Visa and Bharti Airtel are collaborating to bring innovative mobile payment services to Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles and Tanzania.

    In a statement, the firms said they would build on existing capabilities of Airtel’s Mobile Money service, allowing subscribers to use their Airtel Money account to pay in stores and online wherever Visa is accepted.

    Additionally, customers can withdraw money and make payments from their Airtel Money account using their Airtel Money Visa companion card.

    On the development, Vice President of MNO Partnerships for Visa, Vish Sowani, said:  “Mobile payments can transform the lives of people throughout Africa who commonly have access to a mo-bile phone, but not a bank. For mostnew subscribers, this will represent their first payment account and bring some of the latest digital payment advancements into the everyday experiences of Airtel’s customers.”

    They firms explained that aside everyday Visa transactions in stores, online and at ATMs, Airtel Money could also be used to make micro-payments, conduct fund transfers, purchase airtime and pre-paid electricity, plus Internet bundles – using an easy, safe mobile experience.

    Director/Head, Airtel Money Africa, Chidi Okpala, said: “We are excited to embark on the next phase of development for Airtel Money with our new partner Visa.

    “We can look forward tofurther empowering our Airtel Money customerswith access to retail, ATM and online payments using only their Airtel Mobile Phone and companion card to manage all their mobile payment needs.”

    Visa and Airtel have launched an Airtel Money Visa Card in Kenya and will roll out services in other markets starting this year.

     

  • Visa, Airtel expand mobile payments

    Visa Inc. and Bharti Airtel are poised to introduce innovative mobile payment services in Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles and Tanzania.

    In a statement, they said they would build on the existing capabilities of Airtel’s Mobile Money service, which allows subscribers to use their Airtel Money account to pay in stores and online wherever Visa is accepted.

    Additionally, customers can withdraw money and make payments from their Airtel Money account using their Airtel Money Visa companion card.

    “Mobile payments can transform the lives of people throughout Africa who commonly have access to a mo-bile phone, but not a bank. For most new subscribers, this will represent their first payment account and bring some of the latest digital payment advancements into the everyday experiences of Airtel’s customers,” Vish Sowani, Vice President, MNO Partnerships for Visa said.

    They explained that aside everyday Visa transactions in stores, online and at ATMs, Airtel Money can also be used to make micro-payments, conduct fund transfers, purchase airtime and pre-paid electricity, plus Internet bundles – using an easy, safe mobile experience. For example, a bill can be paid without having to travel, wait in long lines, or hold large sums of cash.

    “We are excited to embark on the next phase of development for Airtel Money with our new partner Visa,” said Chidi Okpala, Director and Head of Airtel Money Africa. “We can look forward to further empowering our Airtel Money customers with access to retail, ATM and online payments using only their Airtel Mobile Phone and companion card to manage all their mobile payment needs.”

    Visa and Airtel have already launched an Airtel Money Visa Card in Kenya and will roll out services in other markets starting in early 2015.

     

  • Visa partners FirstBank, others

    Visa partners FirstBank, others

    Visa Inc. has announced a partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, First Bank Nigeria and the Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF). The partnership, it said, will provide women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with an innovative, mobile technology solution to promote financial inclusion in the country.

    “This initiative is part of our strategy to help increase the financial awareness of more women in our society. Through this collaboration, a total of 2,500 women entrepreneurs will become agents in the retail network of FirstBank Nigeria. These agents in turn will bring branchless banking and mobile financial services to at least 75,000 Nigerians living in rural and underserved communities,” General Manager for Visa in West Africa, Ade Ashaye said.

    He said lack of access to financial services and capital is a significant barrier for women entrepreneurs in the country. Empowering women by bridging this gap will translate to the empowerment of the country as a whole as women tend to invest a significant proportion of what they earn back into their families’ health and education, making a lasting difference.”

    FirstBank will provide the women with training on the mobile banking products while YTF will provide capacity-building entrepreneurship training to help them gain comprehensive knowledge and information on subjects that are core to their development as entrepreneurs. “We believe access to financial services is essential for progress. Financial inclusion is a bridge that allows formerly isolated members of an economic system to join in and become contributing participants. Improving access to financial services and electronic payments is a critical building.

  • Visa, Apple partner on e-payments

    Visa, Apple partner on e-payments

    Visa has announced it is supporting consumer payments with the new iPhone 6 and other Apple devices. The global payment company said its Token Service will allow participating financial institutions in the United States and later globally, to add Visa debit and credit cards to Apple Pay,  Apple’s new payment service. Such platform, it said, would enable customers make easy and secure purchases at select merchants both in stores and in apps.

    “Visa Token Service technology works by replacing sensitive payment account information found on plastic cards with a digital account number or “token” that can be safely stored on mobile devices and used for in store and in app purchases,” it said announcing that it will roll out the service to financial institutions in phases.

    It will initially support early participants in the Apple Pay launch, and then extending the service availability to all of its US clients.

    “Combining the trust, scale and security of Visa payments with Apple Pay will accelerate adoption of mobile payments. We said from the beginning that token services would provide great new consumer and merchant experiences, and you’re seeing it today in our efforts with Apple, and there’s more to come,” Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc, Charlie Scharf said.

    He said Apple Pay lets customers make purchases in some of the most highly visited stores and within apps on the App Store with just the touch of a finger, using the new iPhone 6 and other Apple devices. Visa account holders will continue to receive all of the rewards, benefits and security offered by Visa credit and debit cards.

     

     

  • Access Bank, Visa partner Shoptomydoor.com on e-procurement

    Access Bank, Visa partner Shoptomydoor.com on e-procurement

    Access Bank Plc and Visa have announced a partnership with an online shipping company, shoptomydoor.com to give the lender’s for Visa cardholders to shop online at retailers in the United States, United Kingdom and China. The cardholders also by this partnership enjoy exclusive shipping discounts.

    Also, cardholders will have the opportunity to shop from the world’s major international retailers with more flexibility and convenience. They can make purchases online in these countries as if they are local residents and also have them shipped in a few business days.

    The bank said the deal shows its commitment to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cash-less banking and enhancing electronic payments, e-commerce and ease of transactions.

    The bank’s Executive Director, Personal Banking, Victor Etuokwu, said the introduction of Shoptomydoor.com platform was a deliberate attempt by the lender to make financial services easy and accessible to its customers.

    Its Head, Card Products, Justin Ijeh, expressed the lender’s commitment to provide innovative products is not just aimed at aligning with the CBN’s cash-less policy, but also designed to make life easier for its customers”.

    “While the surge in e-commerce has given rise to concerns about online security, the bank has allayed the fears of its customers by confirming that its cards are protected with top-notch security tools. In addition to the in-built security mechanism, Access Bank’s Visa Cards are protected and verified by VISA features,” he said.

  • Emirates starts UAE visa services in Lagos

    Emirates-flight-330x185Emirates and its commercial partner Dubai Visa Processing Centre have inaugurated the Dubai Visa Application Services in Lagos. The introduction of this facility is aimed at providing high quality services to applicants from Nigeria seeking the United Arab Emirates visa when travelling to Dubai.

    A statement by the Emirates  said the new Dubai Visa Application Centre would offer greater comfort, convenience and enhance the visa application experience of applicants and travel agents from the country.

    It added that the DVAC in Lagos was operational for accepting visa applications and delivery of UAE visas for travel to Dubai.

    “This inauguration marks the expansion of DVPC’s operation in the African region. Now, the company through its six DVACs operate in four African countries, including Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa,” the statement said.

    It explained that the DVPC, which operated DVAC located in Lekki, Lagos, was inaugurated by the Regional Manager, West Africa, Emirates, Mr. Manoj Nair, on July 1, adding that Dubai-bound passengers on the Emirates and those wishing to stop in Dubai for a few days could now apply for their UAE visas at the new DVAC.

    Nair was quoted in the statement as saying, “Dubai has so much to offer both the business and leisure travellers with its world class facilities and array of attractions.

    “Visiting and experiencing Dubai has now been made even easier with the opening of the DVPC, and coupled with the award winning service from the Emirates on the ground and in the air; it further enhances the traveller’s experience.”

    The Chief Operating Officer, DVPC and Special Projects, VFS Global, Mr. Vinay Malhotra, said, “The DVPC is honoured to be associated with the Emirates in facilitating the UAE visa application process for Dubai-bound travellers in Lagos, Nigeria.

    “Through this new dedicated facility inaugurated in Lagos, we aim to extend a service that is professional, accessible and convenient for direct applicants and travel agents.

    “The DVPC is privileged to be associated with the Emirates since 2002, and it is their trusted partner and now has 32 Dubai visa application centres in 14 countries in addition to providing online services in over 180 countries worldwide.”

    The statement added that travellers from Nigeria could now enjoy a host of benefits offered by the DVPC, adding that no other guarantor would be required. It also explained that there would be uniform visa fee all year round, irrespective of peak season, festivals and special events, adding that the UAE visa for different durations was now available, including 96-hour (transit visa); 30-day (tourist visa) and 14-day (service/business visa).

  • Visa cardholders spend $188m in Brazil

    Visa cardholders spend $188m in Brazil

    Visa Inc, the global leader in payments, has said total spend by international travelers on Visa accounts through the Group Stage hit $188 million in 12 Brazilian cities at the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

    In a statement, Visa said the figure represents 152 per cent increase year-over-year, and a 141 per cent increase when compared to the $78 million spent by travelers attending the2013 FIFA Confederations Cup TM during the same time frame.

    It said the highest spending day in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil was June 25, when travelers spent $17.4 million in one day.

    Visitors from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, France, and Mexico represented the largest overall tourist spend in Brazil.  The most significant spending increases were seen from countries such as Australia (835 per cent); Colombia (765 per cent); Chile (519 per cent) and Mexico (396 per cent). “As the FIFA World Cup continues in July, Visa will continue to help everyone, everywhere, be a part of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil,” said Fort.

    The report, which analyses travel data and spending through the use of Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards, found that some smaller Brazilian cities, which are hosting tournament games, realized some of the most significant increases in spending by international travelers.

    Data through the Group Stage of the tournament, which includes opening day (June 12) through the close of the Group Stage (June 26), revealed triple-digit increases in spending, compared to the same period last year, in cities such as Natal (851 per cent); Cuiaba (963 per cent); Curitiba (167 per cent); and Manaus (409 per cent).

  • Visa unveils World Cup activation programme

    Visa, global payments firm, and FIFA’s Financial Services partner for the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil, has unveiled its global activation programme during the tournament holding in Brazil.

    In a statement, the firm said plan will enhance the sporting experience for millions of fans, clients and partners in 104 countries worldwide.

    Visa’s interactive social engagement programs, and a seamless in-stadium payment technology experience, enables fans at the tournament, or anywhere in the world, to be part of the FIFA World Cup celebration.

    Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc, Charlie Scharf, said: “Our goal is to make it easy, engaging and relevant for everyone, everywhere, to connect to the FIFA World Cup and be part of the collective experience. From immersive fan engagement programmes to innovative partnerships that help advance the next generation of payment technologies in Brazil, Visa is connecting more people than ever before with this momentous global event.”

    He said recognising that the FIFA World Cup is an event that stirs national passions and unites people through their shared love of football, Visa created a series of commercials that underscore the notion that everyone, “everywhere” wants to be part of the tournament.

    He explained that as the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup, Visa will use more than 60 videos along with interactive tools to engage with viewers, while also customising content and programs based on individual interests and affinities. New capabilities offered by social media partners, including Facebook and Twitter, will enable Visa to more dynamically target and connect with fans, as tournament events and corresponding conversations unfold.

    “In Brazil, Visa is working with financial partner organisations and service providers to implement and manage the entire payment infrastructure throughout all 12 FIFA World Cup venues and the international broadcast center. This includes 3,000 contactless-enabled point-of-sale terminals and 75 ATMs, in addition to the 1.4 million contactless payment terminals in Brazil — the largest network of contactless terminals in the world,” he said.

    More than 500 banks, merchants and acquirers from 95 countries are leveraging Visa’s pass-through sponsorship rights by creating unique FIFA World Cup programs for their clients. Programs focus on driving usage, acquisition and loyalty, and feature Visa credit, debit, corporate, prepaid, payWave and Visa Signature products.