Dear Readers,
2016 was a busy year for VFS Global, with several innovations in the visa
services domain launched, including the ‘visa at your doorstep’ service
(a revolutionary solution that brings the visa application process to the
applicants’ homes and offices) and the first transactional mobile app for visas
(that enables applicants to apply for an UAE visa, anytime, anywhere), among
many others.
These solutions, and many more, were showcased at iConnect 2016 – the third
edition of VFS Global’s annual innovation workshop for outsourced government
services and solutions, held in Dubai on 07-08 November. It was an honour to
welcome more than 90 government representatives, from 42 countries, who
attended the event to experience and discuss the latest services, solutions
and innovations.
Also in November, we were pleased to note comments from Theresa May,
the Honourable Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, during her visit to
India, that Britain has a ‘good (visa) system’ with India. VFS Global has been
a visa services outsourcing partner for the United Kingdom since 2003, and
serves the United Kingdom in 56 countries through 123 application centres.
Alongside traditional visa application services, we also work closely with the
United Kingdom to introduce innovations aimed at enhancing convenience for
applicants in different parts of the world, such as Premium Application Centres,
‘self-service’ kiosks, and ‘visa at your doorstep’ services.
As of the end of 2016, VFS Global served 50 client governments and has
expanded its network across 5 continents in less than 15 years of operations.
We are truly privileged to be given the opportunity to serve so many esteemed
client governments around the world. As we gear up for a promising 2017, we
expect the steady rise in global travel will be complemented by greater ease
and convenience in visa processes. VFS Global remains deeply committed to
supporting our client governments in their endeavours to enhance the ease,
convenience and overall integrity of the visa process.
On a personal note, I was especially humbled to be appointed Chevalier
de l’Ordre National du Mérite’ (Knight of the National Order of Merit) by the
Government of France, whom we have had the privilege to serve since 2004.
I would like to dedicate this honour to our teams around the globe whose
efforts made this recognition possible.
I take this opportunity to wish you an excellent year ahead!
Do feel free to write in to
with any valuable
suggestions and feedback you may have while perusing through this issue.
Sincerely,
Zubin Karkaria
Zubin Karkaria
Chief Executive Officer
VFS Global Group
