International media highlighted last week that the British government has announced that VFS Global will take over visa services in 26 new countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, in a significant move to streamline the UK visa application process.
The British Government announced that it will increase VFS Global services in 26 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia and grant its approval to carry out its visa services as part of its effort to streamline its process.
The transition due to take place between September 2024 and January 2025 will make the process more streamlined thus making travel to Britain for either tourism or business much easier informed sources said. Therefore it has been noted there is a positive link between the granting of E-Visas and the increase of tourism and investment has taken this step to boost tourism, investment.
History and Origins
A subsidiary of Kuoni Travel Group. The company’s primary mission was to provide a more efficient, transparent, and simplified process for visa applications, managed solely by government agencies and diplomatic missions. The company’s services initially focused on managing front-end visa services for governments and embassies, handling routine administrative and non-judgemental tasks, such as collecting visa applications, biometric enrolments, and applicant documentation.
Contributions to World Travel
VFS Global’s commitment to secure data handling has been integral in maintaining the trust of governments and applicants, further cementing its reputation as a reliable visa processing partner.
As international travel continues to grow, VFS Global’s model demonstrates that outsourcing visa processing is both effective and scalable. Outsourcing to a specialist like VFS Global allows governments to meet the high demand for visa applications without sacrificing security or efficiency.
Presently under the ownership of EQT, a leading global investment firm, which provided investment and support, to expand the company’s technological infrastructure and service offerings. As of today, VFS Global operates in over 140 countries, managing visa and passport application services for around 67 client governments worldwide.
VFS Global has introduced an array of technology-driven services that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of its operations. For example, the company’s ‘Visa at Your Doorstep’ (VAYD) service enables applicants to complete visa applications from the comfort of their own homes, a solution particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or with mobility constraints.
Therefore supporters of outsourcing visa services to VFS Global argue that it could increase efficiency, enhance service quality, and align Sri Lanka with global standards for visa and immigration processes. VFS Global could mean shorter wait times and greater convenience, that will benefit Sri Lanka.