• Technology
• Uploaded In: 2024

Global Mobility: A top-of-mind concern at the United Nations

Responsible travel featured in the UN General Assembly 2024 discussions on how to reduce tensions and promote global stability.The UN recognises mobility—the freedom to move and engage across borders—is not just a human right, but a necessity for economic growth, diplomacy, and international cooperation. For instance, the UNGA reaffirmed that rebuilding tourism and business travel is crucial for economic recovery for countries still emerging from the pandemic.

PPP collaboration for safer travel

The Airports Council International, an industry group, projects that global passenger traffic will reach 20 billion in 2042, double the 2024 projection.

Travel, however, is becoming more and more difficult because of emerging security concerns and stricter regulations. And yet, ease of international travel underpins everything from cultural exchange to the globalized labour market.

As the world faces a rising demand for mobility, states see collaboration between the public and private sectors as crucial to developing adaptable, efficient, and secure travel systems. This has paved the way for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate international movement. Governments alone cannot navigate the intricacies of cross-border transit, and PPPs offer a solution. Governments and private entities can realize secure and efficient travel processes through innovative efforts, benefiting both nations and travelers.

VFS Global at the forefront

Over 20 years ago, VFS Global foresaw value and purpose in public-private interdependence. With operations in 150+ countries, today we stand on the front lines of this movement for secure travel.

We have grown to become the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global’s role in facilitating visa processing, biometric enrolment, and other critical services for travelers exemplifies how private enterprises can complement government functions. With a focus on security and efficient handling of administrative processes, 64 client governments trust VFS Global with the secure management of applicants’ personal information. Among these governments are the members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Our work since 2001 highlights the effectiveness of public-private partnerships, particularly in areas were governments face capacity constraints. Processing visas, managing immigration data, and ensuring compliance with security protocols require infrastructure, technological expertise, and efficiency that many administrations, especially in the developing world, cannot always maintain.

Our innovations in biometric and digital security contribute directly to global safety. As nations become more vigilant in combating transnational threats, having a trusted private partner to handle the technical aspects of visa issuance is invaluable. By working alongside diplomatic missions to ensure that travel systems are secure, efficient, and transparent, VFS Global has positioned itself as a critical player in modernizing global mobility.

Through partnerships with VFS Global, governments can offer better, more secure services to citizens and foreign travelers.

The road ahead: Expanding the role of PPPs

While countries aim to fulfill their UN goals, PPPs like those presented by VFS Global will be vital. Particularly to realize the goal for secure travel, which is an essential component of international relations.

Whether for business, education, or humanitarian purposes, the ability to move across borders freely and safely enhances global cooperation and peace. However, the need for stable, protected systems to manage this movement has never been greater.

Combining the expertise of the commercial industry with the regulatory frameworks of governments can help address these challenges. As the world faces new security threats and rising demand for mobility, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial to developing adaptable, efficient, and secure travel systems.

By continuing to invest in public-private partnerships, the international community can ensure that the benefits of global travel are not only preserved but enhanced for generations to come.

If you have any feedback on this article or would like to reach out to our team to know more, please email us at
communications@vfsglobal.com