Latest news with #VFSGlobal
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Gulf Business
Smooth travels: 5 key tips for a seamless visa application experience
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Whether you're heading abroad for work, leisure, or study, your visa is the first ticket to your journey. To ensure your travel plans stay stress-free, From planning early to using convenient at-home services, here's how to make your visa experience smooth from start to finish. Plan ahead The early bird gets the worm. Plan ahead and apply well in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Most countries accept business visa applications up to 90 days before the date of travel. Check the visa turnaround times Each country has a different timeline for its visa processing, and these timelines are clearly mentioned on their websites, providing you the information required to apply for your visa well in advance. During peak travel seasons like the year-end holidays, visa processing can take longer than anticipated. Apply early to avoid any delays. Book an appointment Most visa application centres accept applications by prior appointment only. This ensures lower wait times and physical distancing at the application centres at the time of submission. Reach at least 15 minutes prior to the appointed time to avoid missing your slot. For instance, appointments can be booked on free of charge. There are a few countries that require a customer to pay service fees online at the time of booking an appointment. Beware of third-party entities who charge a separate fee for appointments. Make a list, check it twice A checklist of the documentation required for visa applications for each country served by centre is usually available. Ensure you carry all the requisite documentation to submit along with the duly filled application form to avoid any snags in your application. Many countries require a valid passport six months beyond your return date. Check your passport's validity while planning your travels. Opt for convenience From visa, biometric services at your doorstep and form filling assistance to return of passports via courier and end-to-end guidance through the visa application submission process, explore all possibilities offered by the centre. Please note: Some of the services may not be offered in some countries, or for specific client governments. Opting for these services does not influence the outcome of your visa application; this is at the sole discretion of the embassy/consulate. Read:
The South African
2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Ireland swamped by South African visa applications
Nearly a year after Ireland ended visa-free access for South Africans, the country is struggling under the weight of surging visa applications, leading to widespread delays and growing frustration among travellers. In July 2024, Ireland introduced new regulations requiring South African and Botswanan nationals to apply for visas, including transit visas, to enter or pass through the country. This marked a significant change for South Africans, who had previously enjoyed visa-free access to Ireland – one of the few European nations that allowed it. The Irish government cited multiple concerns at the time, including: A rise in forged South African passports , often used by nationals from other countries , often used by nationals from other countries An increase in international protection (asylum) claims by South Africans upon arrival by South Africans upon arrival The need to align immigration policies with the UK, which shares a common travel area with Ireland Irish Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, acknowledged the decision was 'harsh but necessary.' He pointed to a 100% increase in South African arrivals claiming asylum as a key trigger for the policy change. Despite the move, South Africa remains a key source of skilled migrants for Ireland, with deep business, trade, and educational ties. Many South African professionals, students, and entrepreneurs seek opportunities in Ireland, which is actively recruiting foreign talent to fill post-pandemic skills gaps. Since the policy took effect, Ireland has seen a massive influx of visa applications from South Africans. Although authorities committed to three-month turnaround times, many applicants report delays of 12 to 16 weeks, forcing them to cancel travel plans, including business trips and family visits. Former Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee had announced the set-up of a dedicated 'South Africa desk' at the Dublin Visa Office, supported by three local Visa Application Centres (VACs) managed by VFS Global in South Africa. However, this has proven inadequate. The Irish government has now doubled resources in a bid to clear the backlog, aiming to reduce turnaround to 4-6 weeks. 'We're seeing far more applications than expected,' Richmond said. 'We underestimated the demand, and we're now scaling operations accordingly.' Ireland has also proposed streamlining business and work permit visa processes, with a focus on faster approval timelines for skilled professionals. South African passports had faced scrutiny and misuse in Europe for several years prior. In 2022, airline Ryanair sparked controversy by administering a test in Afrikaans to validate South African passports – drawing global backlash. While the test was scrapped, questions over passport integrity remained. The visa requirement aligns Ireland with UK immigration policies, but has sparked criticism from both travellers and stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector. Despite current frustrations, Irish officials insist the visa measures are not permanent and could be re-evaluated once security risks are resolved and application volumes stabilise. In the meantime, thousands of South Africans are left navigating long waits and bureaucratic hurdles, a sharp contrast to the ease of travel they once enjoyed. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhiwale: People's person
It is a must for any Delhi citizen planning to travel abroad to at least once enter this sprawling basement complex tucked under Shivaji Stadium metro station. Here is the office of VFS Global, the company to which most foreign embassies have outsourced their visa application procedures. The friendly staffers examining the necessary documents sit behind their formidable counter, exercising extraordinary patience with nervous visa applicants. Rohit Taneja is a 'visa manager' for the Schengen countries of Europe. (HT) Rohit Taneja is one of those staffers. He is a 'visa manager' for the Schengen countries of Europe. Like any of us with an office job, he has his identity firmly stitched into the fabric of his workplace. But he has an additional identity, possessing its distinct set of aspirations. This evening in Connaught Place, on way to the metro station, the home-bound commuter in black t-shirt feels frank enough to share his longtime dream. 'I'm a people's person, I like meeting people from various backgrounds, and gain insight into their life… I then like to share those insights with the world.' He pauses for a moment, and says: 'I also want to bring out the truth… that's why I want to be a journalist.' Just how to go about it? In this city of networkers, Rohit has no contact in newspapers or TV news channels. He isn't personally acquainted with any journalist. Six years ago, he says, he attempted the entrance exam for a post-graduate diploma in the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication, but couldn't crack it. While private institutes for similar studies exist, their fee requirements go beyond his budget. Even so, the man is trying. Two years back, he launched a YouTube channel called Citevent in which he uploads edited excerpts of video interviews that he routinely conducts with citizens, using his mobile phone. Now 29, Rohit remarks he is still hopeful of becoming a professional journalist. What if it doesn't happen? 'I'll then be a freelancer on YouTube.' A day after this encounter, Rohit sends his considered thoughts over the WhatsApp. 'As a visa consultant, I have the unique privilege of meeting people from all walks of life. Each day brings new faces, new stories, and a fresh perspective on how diverse life journeys unfold across the globe. What may seem like a routine job on the surface—reviewing applications and guiding clients—actually offers something far deeper: a constant reminder of the power of ambition, resilience, and human connection.'
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
VFS Global Expands UK Visa Services With New Premium Application Centre in Bhopal, ET TravelWorld
Visas and Passports 1 min read VFS Global opens UK Premium Application Centre in Bhopal VFS Global has launched a UK Premium Application Centre in Bhopal, marking its 13th facility in India's non-metro cities. Located at Taj Lakefront, the centre offers added convenience for applicants, along with enhanced services under Comfort Plus and Convenience Plus packages. The move aligns with the company's strategy to expand visa facilitation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations across India.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Residents of Bhopal can now apply for their UK visas close to home
Residents of Bhopal will now be able to apply for their UK visas close to home, as VFS Global has launched a UK Premium Application Centre at Taj Lakefront in the city. This new centre is part of the company's continued effort to increase access to visa services in non-metro regions and becomes the 13th such facility across Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities. The service offers two value-added options: Comfort Plus and Convenience Plus. Comfort Plus includes access to a Premium Lounge, passport delivery to the applicant's doorstep, SMS notifications, and help with document uploads. Convenience Plus provides flexible appointment scheduling, a 'Keep My Passport' service, document upload assistance, and home delivery of passports with SMS updates. Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer for South Asia at VFS Global, said, 'Our commitment has always been to deliver efficient, seamless service to our customers, and the opening of the TSPs is designed to bring convenience by enabling them to access an application centre closest to their location. Beyond this, our value-added services are designed to elevate their journey, offering an enriched experience that reflects our dedication to excellence and innovation.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nagelpilz-Innovation: Dieses Lasergerät ist ein Wunder Heilratgeber Weiterlesen Appointments for these centres follow the same booking process as standard visa centres and are available via the official website. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) VFS Global is a leading technology services provider for governments and diplomatic missions, managing administrative and non-judgmental aspects of visa and passport applications. The company operates over 3,600 centres in 158 countries and has processed more than 311 million applications since 2001. It is headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and is majority owned by Blackstone Inc., with minority stakeholders including the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU UK study visa applications witness a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts UK migrant carers 'owed huge sums' in visa scheme 'scandal'
