VFS Global will establish 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK by 2024. And in 142 countries throughout Africa & the Middle East, the American continents, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific.
VFS Global To Deploy UK Visas For 142 Countries
In certain locations, these facilities will also process applications for UK passports. All categories of visa applications are accepted. It is anticipated that these new centres will together handle 3.8 million applications annually.
Beyond the scope of the implementation, VFS Global plans to make investments to enhance accessibility and the customer journey. It includes new customer websites and improved in-person interactions. VFS Global will also make use of its most recent technology. It will maintain identification checks and guarantee the integrity of the visa and passport application process. The UK Government anticipates savings from the new deal.
Zubin Karkaria, VFS Global’s Founder and CEO, stated that they are thrilled to have been awarded this contract. It will allow them to further their collaboration with the Home Office and serve as their service provider for all abroad UK visa clients. They are eager to expand into new markets and take the next step in giving clients a seamless, easy, and safe passport and visa application process.
This victory is evidence of their committed efforts to offer top-notch services to all of our client nations. Travellers from all over the world are drawn to the UK. Further, the top four application locations are Turkey, China, India, and Nigeria.
Also Read: How To Clear Your UK Visa Interview? Here’s A Guide
Expanding Its Network Across The Globe
Through collaborations with well-known hotels and resorts, VFS Global will grow its network of additional paid application facilities in addition to the VCAS facilities, enabling consumers to apply for visas more conveniently. Through hotel partners in India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, VFS Global now offers these.
This victory follows VFS Worldwide’s recent award of the worldwide visa service contract renewal with Sweden and the global biometric collection service mandate with Australia.
Immigration Policy In The UK
In an effort to boost the domestic labour force, the UK government has proposed numerous changes to immigration-related policies as part of its “Back to Work Plan.” It aims to assist UK citizens in leaving government assistance and returning to labour. Additionally, a record-high net migration level of 7,45,000 in 2022 preceded this decision.
Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that there’s no denying that net migration is still much too high, but my plan will bring about the largest-ever drop in net migration, meaning that almost 300,000 people who arrived in the UK last year would not have been able to. The second quarter of 2024 will see the implementation of these modifications.
First off, there has been an approximately 48% increase in the minimum general pay for jobs covered by the Skilled Worker Route, from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700. An advisory from the international immigration law company Fragomen states that in order to achieve the increased compensation standards, some industries, like hospitality, which are dependent on the lower minimum wage, may need to reduce staff.
Also Read: Not 7 Weeks, UAE Residents Can Obtain A UK Visa In 15 Days Now!
Comment below and share your thoughts on the VCAS centres for UK visas.
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