Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi (centre), Swami Brahmaviharidas (sixth from left) and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global, (third from left) at the inauguration of the temple

The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on 14 February 2024, by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, signifies more than the unveiling of a magnificent temple; it represents the shared vision and dedication of the UAE and India towards fostering an inclusive global community. This event, complemented by the 12-day Festival of Harmony, showcased the collaborative spirit between the two nations, with VFS Global playing a key role in the celebrations.

Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi (centre), Swami Brahmaviharidas (left) and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global, (right) at the inauguration of the temple.

Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, remarked, “I was honoured to attend the grand opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a testament to the visionary leadership of the UAE and India, which continues to strengthen their bonds. Meeting the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, highlighted India's rapid cultural and economic progress under his leadership, emphasising global peace and harmony. Engaging with Swami Brahmaviharidas was equally enriching, as his work unites various faiths towards our common goals of peace and harmony.”

In support of this initiative, VFS Global had opened a special kiosk and the first-ever information centre featuring a temple replica outside its Visa Application Centre in Dubai in October 2023. It further engaged the community through volunteer training led by the Learning and Organisation Development Team and cultural awareness sessions by Tariq Ahmad, Head of Empowerment and Inclusion for the UAE.

The initiative aligns with the goals of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the UAE, aiming to promote inclusivity and mutual understanding.

The BAPS initiative serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the UAE and India, showcasing the power of unity in diversity. Its inauguration not only strengthens bilateral ties but also sets a precedent for cultural and spiritual cooperation, reinforcing the enduring partnership aimed at creating a harmonious world.

Dr. Nishikant Dubey, the Honourable Member of Parliament from Godda, (fifth from left) with other dignitaries at the launch of the all-women Travel & Hospitality Certificate programme at VFS Global Academy, Deoghar

To mark International Women's Day, VFS Global Academy inaugurated its all-women batch for the Travel and Hospitality Certification Programme in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India. The programme was launched by Dr. Nishikant Dubey, the Honourable Member of Parliament from Godda, setting a new standard in empowering women through specialised education and career opportunities in the growing travel and hospitality sector.

The three-month certificate programme comprises industry-aligned modules on basics of tourism, introduction to hospitality business, event management and communication skills. The initiative aims to increase employment opportunities for women in the travel and hospitality sector and encourage social inclusion. The programme will be offered at no cost to the students. “VFS Global has made a significant step in supporting women's empowerment by starting an all-women batch. This move will surely motivate young women towards independence. Congratulations to VFS Global Academy for focusing on skilling the youth in Deoghar, especially for creating tailored programmes that empower young women,” said Dr. Dubey.

“We have launched an all-women batch to encourage women to pursue careers in the hospitality industry, responding to their growing interest in this field. This initiative supports the Indian government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign and aligns with the International Women's Day 2024 theme of #InspireInclusion,” said Prabuddha Sen, Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, VFS Global.

VFS Global has been certified with ISO 27018:2019 - the international standard for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in the cloud environment. The security controls and practices outlined in ISO 27018 help to mitigate the risks associated with cloud-based data environment utilised for data processing activities.

VFS Global was honoured for its contribution to MBRHE's achievement of housing and development goals

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) celebrated its strategic partners at the “Forum of Supporters of Housing services” which was held in Dubai. MBRHE expressed its gratitude and appreciation for VFS Global and other partners who contributed to the achievement of housing and development goals. The Establishment emphasised the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.

VFS Global’s Corporate Security programme was acclaimed as ‘Highly Commended’ by the jury in the Outstanding Security Team category

VFS Global’s Corporate Security programme was acclaimed as "Highly Commended" by the jury in the Outstanding Security Team category at the prestigious Intersec Awards 2024, which were held in Dubai on 17-18 January 2024. Intersec is the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection industries.

H.E. Mahesh Kumar, Consul General of India in South Africa (right) and Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (left) at the event

We hosted the 'Why Bharat Matters' campaign in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in South Africa at our Centre in Johannesburg on 28 February 2024. The event was attended by H.E Mahesh Kumar, Consul General of India in South Africa, and Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head of Sub- Saharan Africa, VFS Global.

VFS Global China won the honour for its performance in management accounting innovation and practice

VFS Global won the 'Excellent Practice in Management Accounting' Award at the 19th CGMA Annual Award 2023 held in Shanghai, China, on 23 November 2023. This honour demonstrates the company’s outstanding performance in management accounting innovation and practice.

John Robert, Head – Corporate Security, won the Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director Award at the India and South Asia Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) for 2024

John Robert, Head – Corporate Security, won the Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director Award at the India and South Asia Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) for 2024. The OSPAs recognise and reward companies and people across the security sector globally. For the India and South Asia Award, 24 independent judges chose the winner from amongst 120 nominations.

VFS Global received the honour for providing comprehensive training and full-time employment opportunities to Saudi interns

The King Saud University in Riyadh, KSA, conferred VFS Global with an Award of Recognition, recognising the efforts of our Human Resources, Learning & Organisation Development, and Operations teams in providing comprehensive training and full-time employment opportunities to numerous Saudi interns. VFS Global in Saudi Arabia is geared up to welcome another 50 interns in the upcoming season as part of its Saudisation efforts.

The China RSOC team at the event

The China Regional Security Operations Centre (RSOC) team won the Innovative Application award at the AxxonSoft Awards 2024, which was held at Shanghai on 18 January 2024. Karan Bura, Regional Head of Security-Australasia & China), Joe Du, Sr. Manager-Technical Security Services & Contracts Management-PR China and Damon Xia, Technical Lead-Technical Security Services, received the honour on behalf of VFS Global.

Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer (right) and Tariq Ahmad, Head of Empowerment and Inclusion for UAE (left) received the certificate on behalf of VFS Global

VFS Global was felicitated by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for our participation in the first edition of the Emirates Labour Market Awards in 2023. The milestone highlights the organisation’s continual commitment to best practices in human resources and development of Emirati youth in the private sector.

Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Forests & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra (second from left) presents the award to Ria Vaidya, SGM – Corporate Communications and CSR, VFS Global

VFS Global was honoured with Special Commendation Award at the CSR Journal Excellence Award 2023 for our contributions in the space of skilling and education. The award was presented by Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Forests & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra.

Former Diplomat and Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ajay Bisaria (centre), presents a signed copy of his insightful book ‘Anger Management’ to a media representative. Prabuddha Sen, COO, South Asia, VFS Global, (right) was present at the occasion

At the Jaipur Literature Festival, which was held from 1-5 February 2024, VFS Global unveiled the VFS Global Friend of the Festival Lounge, becoming a pivotal gathering spot for literary luminaries, diplomats, and Jaipur's elite. Highlights included Ajay Bisaria's engagement with attendees through his book "Anger Management," and Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri's debut novel presentation, "Swallowing the Sun," to dignitaries.

VFS Global secured the 35th position out of the Top 100 Companies in Ghana at the Ghana Club 100 Awards

VFS Global secured the 35th position out of the Top 100 Companies in Ghana at the Ghana Club 100 Awards, organised by Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, a subsidiary of Ghana MoFA. It is a giant leap considering last year’s position of 84th. We also achieved the second position in the Hospitality & Tourism sector.