VFS Global reaches 100 million visas

Outsourcing giant VFS Global reached a milestone at the end of May, processing 100 million visa applications – as many as the entire population of the Philippines.

Marking the achievement, CEO of VFS Global, Zubin Karkaria, said it was “a very proud moment” for the company, which currently works with 45 client governments in 120 countries.

Starting out in 2001, VFS provided outsourcing solutions to overloaded consulates by facilitating visas applications, but the company soon responded to evolving needs of client governments such as biometric enrolment for issuing secure travel documents or residence permits. Today these integrated identity management services support efficient and secure border management for client governments.

Over the years VFS Global has adapted their 1600 visa application centres to provide high-tech bespoke solutions for client governments, such as video interviewing hubs with the UK Home Office for student visa applications and their award-winning Location Independent Document Processing Solution with the Government of Finland, which enables the management of remote visa processing at multiple locations in Russia.

These technologies were showcased in London when VFS opened a new state-of-the-art Joint Visa Application Centre for 17 diplomatic missions.

“We embrace technology and leverage it to develop innovative solutions which support the vision and requirements of our client governments,” said Karkaria. “This milestone also reflects the trust and credibility we have built with governments across the world.”

For information on outsourcing your consulate’s visa operations to VFS contact Ashwin Balse on ashwinb@vfsglobal.com

Consuls join Chris DIx of VFS to cut the ribbon opening VFS Global’s joint visa application centre (JVAC)