VFS Global, the leading provider of outsourcing and technology services for international missions and governments, expanded its operations significantly. The company secured seven new international agreements with the governments of the UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner.
A highlight of the year was securing a comprehensive contract for managing UK visas and citizenship services. Starting in 2024, VFS Global plans to open 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service [VCAS] Centres in 142 countries across various regions including Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Australasia, Europe, China, Taiwan, and the Asia Pacific. These centres will serve approximately 3.8 million applicants annually, enhancing international mobility. Notably, this agreement extends VFS Global’s services to 84 new countries for UK visas and citizenship, in addition to the 58 countries it already serves.
Furthermore, the company was chosen by the Swedish Ministry of Justice and the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide visa services in 37 countries for Sweden, and visa and residence permit services in 52 countries for Norway. Latvia, Iceland, and Austria also renewed their contracts with VFS Global for global visa services earlier in the year.
Expanding its services in Africa, VFS Global became the exclusive visa service provider for the French Government in specific Sub-Saharan locations. In September 2023, it expanded its network by opening new France Visa Application Centres in Cape Verde, Ghana, Liberia, and Rwanda and extended its services in Ivory Coast and Senegal.
Zubin Karkaria, the CEO and founder of VFS Global, emphasized that these achievements reflect the company’s strong relationships with client governments and its dedication to providing excellent customer service. He highlighted the importance of these developments in rebuilding traveler confidence and supporting the recovery of global travel through secure, efficient, and technology-driven solutions.
Looking ahead to 2024, VFS Global aims to further improve customer service and business performance by investing in technology and the development of its workforce.
