The UK has formally launched its largest Visa Utility Centre (VAC) in Africa, situated in Ikeja, Lagos, by way of its new industrial companion, VFS World.
This marks a big milestone in strengthening the UK’s visa utility companies for Nigerian residents.
In line with the British Excessive Fee, the brand new VAC, alongside services in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, started operations on November 19, 2024, to streamline the visa utility course of for Nigerians touring to the UK.
The Excessive Fee famous that Nigeria is without doubt one of the prime markets for UK visas, accounting for five% of the worldwide whole of UK go to visas.
With over 225,000 visas processed for Nigerian nationals up to now 12 months, it mentioned the UK stays a well-liked vacation spot for Nigerian travellers.
What they’re saying
Talking on the inauguration of the Ikeja centre, British Deputy Excessive Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, remarked:
“I’m delighted to witness the opening of this, the most important visa utility centre in Africa. Nigeria stays one of many UK’s most vital companions, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving companies for these making use of for visas to the UK.”
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Standing and Data Companies at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), echoed these sentiments:
“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an thrilling milestone for UKVI and VFS World. Within the 12 months to June 2024, we processed greater than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals throughout all classes. This new partnership demonstrates our dedication to making sure visa companies are accessible, environment friendly, and meet the wants of all candidates.”
Enhanced Companies for Nigerian Candidates
The brand new VACs supply a spread of non-compulsory companies to boost comfort for candidates, together with:
- Doc Add Help: Help for importing required paperwork.
- Prime Time Appointments: Permitting utility submissions exterior common enterprise hours.
- SMS Notifications: Actual-time updates on utility standing.
- Doc Checking Companies: Making certain utility accuracy earlier than submission.
- Courier Passport Return: Candidates can obtain their passports by way of courier as soon as selections are made.
- Hold My Passport Whereas Making use of: Candidates retain their passports after biometrics submission till a call is reached.
In Abuja, candidates can even go for the On-Demand Cellular Visa Service, which permits submission from residence, workplace, or different most well-liked areas. Moreover, the Premium Lounge Service presents a personalised expertise with devoted workers.
What it is best to know
The UK has awarded VFS World the contract to offer visa companies in 142 international locations, increasing from its earlier protection of 58 nations. In Africa, VFS World now operates UK Visa Utility Centres in 31 international locations.
VFS World clarified that the non-compulsory companies offered are designed to boost comfort and luxury however don’t affect the timeline or outcomes of visa functions.
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