vfs global

Over four million Indians in the UAE will experience a significant overhaul in passport and visa services starting July 1, 2026. Kerala-based Alhind Group has secured a major contract, launching 16 new service centers across the Emirates. This move aims to make services more affordable and accessible, replacing BLS International after a decade.

The UK's revamped 2026 immigration system introduces eVisas, streamlining short-term travel and assignments for Indian professionals. While mobility routes are expanded, the path to permanent residency is now significantly longer and more challenging, with higher salary thresholds and stricter eligibility criteria.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a new international visa service center in Bhubaneswar, operated by vfs global. This facility will eliminate the need for residents to travel outside the state for visa applications, initially serving 10 countries. The center aims to enhance global connectivity and citizen-centric services.

Odisha residents will soon have a Visa Application Centre in Bhubaneswar, eliminating the need to travel to other major cities. A tripartite agreement was signed between the state home department, BDA, and vfs global to establish the facility at the Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bus Terminal.

vfs global on Thursday said it has been appointed as the exclusive service provider for visa, OCI (overseas citizens of India), passport, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification services for the government of India in the United States.

vfs global partners with the Responsible AI Institute to drive innovation in secure and ethical visa processing. Their tailored AI solutions prioritize regulatory compliance, security, and client governments' confidence in identity and citizen services sectors.

Bhubaneswar will soon have a visa application centre, set to open on April 1, coinciding with Utkal Dibas. Operated by vfs global, the facility will initially process UK visa applications and more, offering support services and local employment. This initiative aims to streamline the process for Odia citizens travelling abroad for education and business.

Visa applicants in Pune, India are facing difficulties in obtaining appointments for business visas to Germany and Switzerland. Many applicants have tried multiple times but have been unable to secure appointments due to limited slots and technical issues with the appointment management system. Some applicants have resorted to traveling to other cities, such as Hyderabad, to complete their visa formalities. The facilitator for these visas, vfs global, claims that their system is working normally, but applicants have reported issues with the website and unhelpful automated responses from the call center. Travel agents have also expressed frustration with the visa appointment process.

Thailand's government has renewed its contract in order to process visa applications from India, vfs global said. As part of the mandate, the visa service provider will roll out Dropbox service in tier II cities. Notably, the vfs global's newest visa application center in Lucknow will also accept applications for Thailand visas.

vfs global on Wednesday announced the reopening of some of its visa application centres in select Indian cities, with the approval of respective embassies/consulates.

The number of visa applications from Hyderabad in 2022 almost hit the 2019 pre-pandemic levels thanks to the opening up of international borders as Covid-19 pandemic related protocols eased and owing to pent-up demand, according to vfs global.

Mumbai, Dec 5 ()Bahrain's flag carrier Gulf Air today joined hands with leading outsourcing and technology service provider vfs global to launch a tourist visa service for its passengers flying across its world-wide network.

vfs global has introduced an AI-powered chatbot for UK-bound travelers, developed by its Dubai-based AI team, to streamline the visa application process. The chatbot, utilizing voice and text commands, ensures data privacy and security, while integrating ethical AI practices in its development.