Information Expertise : Complete Voice / Text Multi Lingual Services

Information services comprise of hosting multi-lingual websites, operating call centre services, e-mail services, SMS services, online chat services and related business intelligence products. Each of these can be custom built to suit the varied requirements of our clients in the diplomatic missions, across the world.

Operations Expertise - End to End Operations Support

Our operations encompass the entire spectrum of services for the visa application lifecycle; as in, setting up contact information websites, acceptance of applications at our dedicated visa application centres, collection and banking of fee remittance on behalf of ourclient governments, recording of applicant’s biometric data and forwarding this feed to the respective missions, reconciliation processes at the visa application centre and at the mission, scheduling of interview appointments wherever necessary and document tracking is available to applicants, who have submitted their applications at the visa application centre along with a courier facility to enable Embassy processed documents to be delivered at their residence or office addresses. In summation, we cover the entire range of services in this business process.

Financial Expertise - Fee Collection, Transfer and Accounting

Our Finance Team designs innovative solutions to be offered in each country based on local rules, regulations and acceptable business practices. Generally an array of preferred choices offered are payment in cash at the VAC, off shore at bank counters/ selected bank branches, electronic / online visa fee transfers, payments made via demand draft / bankers cheques, charge swipes on debit or credit cards to mention a few.
Besides fee collection, we also offer options to transfer collected remittances on behalf of the Mission to the relevant Customer’s account with clear audit trails of receipt and in compliance with accounting / book-keeping regulations prevailing in the country of operation.

Security Expertise - Physical & Information

Our security solutions include, integrally, the physical security of the premises, supported by CCTV coverage which records the day-to-day events. Manned security guards, with background vetting and clearance of staff are conducted mandatorily. A 24X7 surveillance of premises is also available, if necessary and mandated.
In terms of IT security, we are very conscious and particular in implementing stringent data protection laws which are in accordance to the norms of the diplomatic mission and the local laws of the host country. Our operations at the VAC do not permit usage of removable and mobile mass data storage devices likeCD- ROM, pen drives, hard disk drives etc. This is in order to guarantee complete safety and security of an applicant’s data.

Security Practices
Security is crucial and critical to our efficiency and performance. We make it a point to pay close attention to each of the facets of our business - right from the location of the office premises to the IT systems deployed in it.
All offices are secured with alarms, intrusion detection devices, CCTV cameras, and if need be, even security guards 24x7. All documents are transported in locked metal containers or reinforced fabric bags. Handovers and takeovers are based on barcode (track) process followed up with written logs. In the event that documents are required to be stored overnight, they are accommodated in fire resistant safes only.
First-aid, fire-safety and evacuation-training / drill is imparted by the VFS Global Security Team. Access to the back office is limited only to authorised staff through swipe cards or entry logs.

IT and Data Security
In our quest to comply with IT Security and Data Protection requirements, we leave no stone unturned.
Some of the proactive IT solutions implemented include:

• Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration and Stress testing
• Hardening and base lining all servers and devices
• 24x7 event monitoring of firewalls and servers
• Installation of Network Management Systems
• Software security code review by third -party vendors
• Application Security Testing and Technical Audits

Creating Benchmarks in Information Security
VFS Global was awarded the Microsoft Security Strategist Award in the field of Information Security. As our client you can be assured of a high degree of confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and most importantly, protection of information assets at all times.

Complete Security for Complete Peace of Mind
Governance, Risk control and Compliance are of paramount importance at VFS Global. We have a dedicated Information Security team to differentiate between Corporate Physical Security and Information Security. The company uses advanced tools and modules to ensure IT Security and Data Protection, both of which are vital to VFS Global.

Disaster Management
Given the sensitive and critical nature of its IT enabled business operations, VFS Global has deployed a Disaster Recovery (DR) setup for its IT infrastructure in order to provide a robust, reliable platform for a 24 x7 availability of software applications. Our DR plan for IT readiness revolves around key IT Infrastructure investments, defined processes, policies and Standard Operating Procedures. One of the key elements of this plan is our DR site which serves as an alternate site for providing IT applications availability to the businesses and operations teams in case of operational failure due to unexpected circumstances.

Key Benefits:

• Proven and tested solution
• High availability for both application and database
• Better Data Management
• Provisioning scalability for future business expansion
• Provide business continuity

Technology Expertise - IT Software, Systems Integration, Database Management, Online Solutions, Biometrics

Our operations at VFS Global has now gone beyond the routine application process— to promote advanced technologies as in capture of applicant biometric data through a secure environment within the confines of our visa application centres. Here, we cater to all aspects of Biometric Data Capture from hardware requirement, to software integration and enrolment. Furthermore, we offer digitised database management solutions; offshore data mining processes; robust IT solutions; software and system integration to cover the plethora of requirements in the IT sphere of our business model.

Logistics Expertise - Secure Physical Document Transfer

We enter into tie-ups with the best Courier companies in business, in terms of providing logistics support for our commercial operations as this involves original certificates and travel documents. Transfer of documents is carried out securely to guarantee safety and confidentiality. Regular service audits are conducted to ensure that the vendors comply with agreed stringent service levels laid down by our organisation.

VERIFICATION & LEGALISATION

We offer vast range of verification and legalisation services to our esteemed client governments. As a standard solution, we offer to conduct criminal background verification, proof of residence / address checks, past employment checks, educational certification checks, professional reference checks, proof of identity, validation of financial health and due diligence checks as well.

Document Management System

Our DMS solution covers digitisation of data and electronic storage for future reference and retrieval. Besides services like off-shore mining of data is also available to our client governments.

PROGRAMME AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This is divided into two dedicated teams, a Project Team and a Project Management Cell. The Projects Team carries out the physical roll out activities at the place of the proposed business operations, whereas the Project Management Cell (PMC) over sees all routine administrative tasks and supervisory control of activities from the Head Office, resulting in centralised control and management.

Value Added Services

We offer a range of value added options to our applicants visiting our Visa Application Centres. The most popular options are Global SIM cards for the country of travel, various overseas travel insurance policies, availability of foreign exchange services (subject to missions’ approval); tie-up with the airline and travel management companies for promotional offers and fares to applicants, options for shopping bargains and deals to mention a few.

Quality

Service Quality and Process Excellence (SQPE) at VFS Global helps deliver consistent high performance and provides continuous business process improvements to our customers.
VFS Global has a proven track record of adding measurable benefits to business process and management initiatives. We do this through our unique Process Excellence practices.
VFS Global has integrated the internationally acclaimed quality measure – Six Sigma and Lean methodologies leading to devising a unique structured programme called as ‘Sigma Faster’, which streamlines processes, minimises waste and achieves breakthrough in performances.

Best Quality Processes for the Best Performance
We ensure implementation of internationally accepted procedures to ensure high quality results within a limited time frame. These include: SIGMA FASTER
To streamline processes, minimise waste and achieve breakthrough performances.

POOMSE
A programme inducted for the staff, with an aim to engage and equip everyone in the organisation in improving processes.

Customisation

At VFS Global, we believe in going beyond the expected to deliver exciting and exemplary solutions. Some of our popular initiatives that go a long way in making a difference to the people we service are:

SMS Service Solution
Customers can receive updates of their visa application status with our unique SMS offering, by sending alerts at critical stages of the visa process, customers are sent updates periodically. This brings a level of comfort to know and understand the exact stage of their application in process.

Online Modules
Provide customised web based solutions like online appointments, customised application forms, and various options to make web payments, etc.