The Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS) has announced the opening of a new UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, Lagos. As mentioned in a press release by VFS, this new centre was launched on Wednesday, November 27th, with the Director of Visa, Marc Owen, and other prominent personalities attending the occasion.
According to a statement by Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, the new facility operated by VFS seeks to simplify and improve the visa application experience for Nigerians travelling to the UK.
Photo Source: Punch Newspaper.
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UKVI, commented: “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in providing a world-class UK visa service in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa. In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories. This new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient, and meet the needs of all applicants.”
Additionally, it was noted that Nigerians remain one of the UK’s most significant partners, and VFS Global is dedicated to continuously improving services for individuals submitting visa applications for the UK.
Expanding Services for Nigerian Travellers
Nigeria, ranked among the top four nationalities by volume for UK visit visas, accounts for 5% of the global population. The UK remains a popular travel destination throughout Africa, and to meet growing demand, VFS Global has established UK Visa Application Centres in three key cities in Nigeria: Lagos, Abuja, and Ikeja. These centres are part of a broader expansion across 31 African nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Intending immigrants and travellers seeking UK visas can now use various optional services to enhance convenience and comfort. These include assistance with document uploads, Prime Time for submitting applications outside business hours, SMS notifications, document verification, and courier return of passports once a decision is reached. After submitting their application and enrolling their biometrics, applicants can also opt for VFS Global’s “Keep My Passport While Applying” service, allowing them to keep their passports until a decision is made or re-submit them later if needed.
VFS Global Leading Efficiency in Visa Services
Since its inception in 2001, VFS Global has embraced technological innovation in supporting governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The organisation handles non-judgmental and administrative procedures related to visa, passport, and consular service applications for its client governments, enhancing productivity and enabling them to focus solely on the critical evaluation task.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority-owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc., the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, and EQT, VFS Global prioritises ethical practices and sustainability while serving as a trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,400 application centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has processed more than 299 million applications.
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The Impact of Technology Innovation on Visa Applications
Photo Source: Vanguard News.
Technology innovation is essential for revolutionising the visa application process by improving security, accessibility, and efficiency. Governments worldwide have adopted digital solutions to expedite visa services and shorten lengthy processing times in response to rising travel demand. These developments allow applicants to schedule appointments remotely, upload supporting documentation, and monitor the real-time status of their visa applications. For example, computerised document verification and biometric data collection have significantly increased application accuracy, reducing errors and the need for multiple submissions while streamlining the process for visa authorities and applicants.
Additionally, incorporating technology into visa applications promotes a more economical and environmentally friendly procedure. Digital platforms reduce the need for paper records, which helps lower waste and contributes to environmental sustainability. By lowering the overhead expenses related to conventional, manual processing, governments and organisations can reallocate resources to improve other service areas.
Technology also increases convenience, especially for applicants in rural areas or with demanding schedules. Services such as “Keep My Passport While Applying” allow applicants to retain their passports until a decision is made, allowing them to travel or meet personal obligations without delay. Furthermore, optional services like mobile applications, SMS notifications, and extended submission hours enhance the user experience and give applicants more control over the process. This level of accessibility is fundamental in countries with a high volume of visa applications, ensuring that services remain inclusive and reach a broader audience.