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First-ever Belgium Visa Application Centre launched in the
Middle East
Since 2006, VFS Global manages visa services for the Belgium Government across
11 countries, globally
(Left to right) Mr Mohan Matthew, Etimad - COO; Ms Marita Bachhav, Head Of Operations –GCC, Lebanon & Jordan, VFS Global; HE Mr Geert
Criel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Riyadh; Ms Karine Maeckelberghe, Consul General of the Embassy of the Kingdom of
Belgium in Riyadh, inaugurating the Belgium Visa Application Centre in Saudi Arabia
Key features:
Convenient and centrally-accessed location
Professional staff with local language capability
Automated queue governance for smooth flow
of applicants
Dedicated website for easy access to
information including visa categories,
requirements, check-list and applicable fees
100% secure handling of passports, documents
and personal information
Doorstep delivery of passports
Premium Lounge for personalised and
comfortable service
Residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia travelling
to Belgium and Luxembourg can now submit their
visa applications and enrol for biometrics at the newly
launched centrally located Visa Application Centre in
Umm Al Hamam, Riyadh. This first-ever Belgium Visa
Application centre in the Middle East was inaugurated
by HE Mr Geert Criel, Ambassador of the Kingdom
of Belgium in Riyadh, and Ms Karine Maeckelberghe,
Consul General of the Embassy of the Kingdom of
Belgium in Riyadh, at a ceremony held on 12 December
2016.
Speaking at the launch of the centre, HE Mr Geert Criel,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Riyadh said,
“We are very happy to work with VFS Global in Saudi
Arabia. Travellers to Belgium will be able to introduce
their applications in the VFS centre, initially only in
Riyadh, but later also in other parts of the country. This
will ensure a client-friendly and efficient service. We are
looking forward to an increase of business and tourism
travelers from Saudi Arabia to Belgium.”
Mr Srinarayan Sankaran, COO – Middle East, VFS Global,
said, “It is an honour for us to extend visa services for
the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium to applicants
in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The centre will help
make the visa procedure faster, smoother, and more
convenient, significantly contributing to the advancement
of travel to Belgium and Luxembourg from the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.”
VFS Global currently serves 21 client governments in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
5.3
MIDDLE EAST