Category Archives: Visa

VFS Global has successfully completed the highest level of the KPMG People Maturity Model (PMM) assessment at Level 5 (Innovative), becoming the first visa services company to reach this milestone. The certification was awarded following a rigorous assessment conducted by KPMG. The PMM certification represents the organisation’s commitment to continuously improving people process maturity and practices in consonance with the organisational business objectives. KPMG’s PMM takes various elements that cover the latest trends in HR system process maturity and practices, focusing on enterprise-level improvements. VFS Global had already achieved the  People Capbility Maturity Model (PCMM)  Level 5 appraisal in 2019. In 2018, VFS Global achieved the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Service Excellence maturity level 3, reflecting the organisation’s importance on the quality of work produced. The PMM Level-5 certification is a testament to the well-established set of human capital management practices at VFS Global, ensuring we attract, develop, motivate, organise and retain the required talent, guiding and assisting them in establishing a culture of excellence. The newly achieved PMM certification further reinforces the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, backed by a strong workforce and expansive network. VFS Global employs over 8,000 people at its Visa Application Centres and offices in more than 140 countries worldwide. Globally, 116 nationalities work with VFS Global, bringing the benefit of a wide variety of world views. At VFS Global, we have also maintained our gender balance with an overall female: male ratio of 58:42 at the end of 2021. The company remains dedicated to engaging, upskilling and improving its workforce policies, practices and capabilities in alignment with its business performance and objectives. Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer, VFS Global, said, “Our people are …

As Saudi Arabia eases restrictions they continue to ensure that entry to the destination or visas to become more easily accessible thanks to the implementation of online visas. Foreign nationals who live in one of the Gulf Cooperation Countries and hold an eligible passport can obtain their online visa and enjoy stays of up to 3 months in Saudi Arabia. Most foreign citizens must get a visa for Saudi Arabia if they wish to enter the Kingdom. The only exception is represented by nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). Although GCC citizens can visit Saudi Arabia visa-free, third-country nationals who live in one of the GCC nations and hold a residence permit must get a visa unless they have a Saudi passport. Fortunately, many GCC residents can get the Saudi eVisa online. Eligible GCC residents can apply for a Saudi eVisa in minutes. All they need is a reliable internet connection. GCC residents can follow the below steps to obtain a Saudi Arabia eVisa: Fill out the online application form in all of its parts, Upload copies of the relevant documents (such as their valid passport), Pay the application fee and wait for the visa to be sent via email. The application can be completed from anywhere in the world — GCC residents do not have to physically be on GCC territory nor their home country when they apply. They can use a device of their choice to connect to the online application system, including their mobile phone. This allows for great flexibility as they can send their eVisa request on the go. The Saudi eVisa form was designed to be straightforward and easy to complete. Most applicants can …

It was announced that there is a new Saudi Arabia eVisa for cruise passengers. The e-maritime visa is for travelers joining a cruise in Saudi Arabia or arriving at one of its ports onboard a cruise ship. The new eVisa is specifically for cruise tourists. The visa is for passengers: Flying into Saudi Arabia to join a cruise ship, Arriving at a Saudi Arabian port by cruise ship, The new visa has been introduced to facilitate visa processes for cruise passengers. It is now easier for foreigners to fly into the country to join a cruise ship, or visit the country as part of their cruise itinerary. The Saudi Arabia e-maritime visa is a type of transit visa. It cannot be used for extended stays in the country. For longer vacations, foreigners should apply for a tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia. The tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is for multiple entries of up to 90 days each. The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa application is also online. Travelers complete the form electronically and receive the approved visa by email. To get an e-maritime visa for Saudi Arabia, applicants must already have purchased a cruise ticket. This visa is only available to people who can prove they will take a cruise to or from Saudi Arabia. They will also require a valid passport. All cruise eVisa applications must be made through the online system. The information provided by applicants is checked in cooperation with the Saudi Cruise Company. To apply for the Saudi Arabia cruise eVisa, eligible travelers must complete the online form, pay the visa fees, and submit the request. Applicants need to provide basic personal and passport details, and information …

VFS Global announced the opening hours of the Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including extended working hours to provide even greater convenience to visa applicants during the holy month of Ramadan. Countries Dubai Abu Dhabi United Kingdom Monday – Friday 09.00am – 02.00pm   Extended hours: 02.00pm to 06.00pm   Prime Time: 08.00am to 09.00am Monday – Friday 09.00am – 02.00pm   Prime Time: 08.00am to 09.00am All other visa centres (except Saudi)   Monday – Friday 09.00am – 02.00pm   Extended hours: 02.00pm to 05.00pm   Prime Time: 08.00am to 09.00am Monday – Friday 09.00am – 02.00pm   Prime Time: 08.00am to 09.00am   Note: All VACs will remain closed for a prayer break between 12.00 pm to 02.00 pm on Fridays during Ramadan. In addition, VFS Global celebrates UAE Healthcare Heroes by offering an exclusive 50% discount on Premium Lounge services for the month of Ramadan. All frontline healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists, and pharmacists, with a valid medical ID card travelling to any country that offers Premium Lounge service, can avail of the offer in Dubai or Abu Dhabi centres. VFS Global’s Premium Lounge offers assured personal assistance, quicker completion of the application submission process, and immediate biometric enrolment, all at a spacious and plush facility. Customers who opt for Premium Lounge also receive complimentary photocopying and photo-booth services as per requirements. Automatic updates at each stage of the visa application will also be shared via SMS. As an optional service to customers wanting to complete the entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their home or office, VFS Global continues to provide the “Visa At Your Doorstep” service …

The Saudi Arabian government has reopened the visa-on-arrival program for holders of valid visas for the US, UK and Schengen area, effective immediately. The move comes two weeks after the country lifted all COVID-related entry restrictions and returns Saudi to pre-pandemic levels of openness. Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas and who are travelling on one of the country’s national carriers – Saudi, Flynas or Flyadeal – can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance. Visitors holding a valid US, UK or Schengen visa must have used it at least once to enter the issuing country or region in order to qualify for a visa on arrival in Saudi. Visitors will also need to purchase COVID-19 insurance, which they can do at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. Citizens of any country eligible for the e-visa program, which was introduced in 2019, may also receive a visa on arrival, regardless of the airline they are travelling with. “Restoring the visa-on-arrival program marks the final step in returning Saudi to a pre-pandemic level of openness and makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the world for leisure, business and religious travel,” said His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of STA. “This decision by the government will further support the many thousands of people who depend on tourism for their livelihoods while welcoming the world back to the destination with the warm hospitality for which the Saudi people are renowned.” On March 6, Saudi Arabia announced the lifting of all travel restrictions put in place …

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has partnered with VFS Global to provide efficient passport renewal services to a vast population of Sri Lankan nationals living in the Kingdom. Serving as an alternative platform, VFS Global passport renewal services allow customers to submit a passport renewal application and/or collect the renewed passport from 13 locations across the Kingdom. This service is in addition to the service currently offered by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh. The first VFS Global Sri Lanka Passport Application Centre was inaugurated on 06 February 2022 in Riyadh by H.E Mr. Pakeer Mohideen Amza, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist of the Republic of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mr. Sumanth Kapoor, Regional Head – KSA, Bahrain and Oman, VFS Global. The centres in Jeddah and Al Khobar were also made operational on the same day subsequently. The passport renewal services will further extend to 10 locations including, Al Jauf, Al Khobar, Al Qaseem, Hail, Jazan, Jubail, Madina, Makkah, Najaran, and Tabuk by 15 February 2022. During the inauguration ceremony, H.E Mr. Pakeer Mohideen Amza, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said, “Through our partnership with VFS Global we extend our network to reach Sri Lankan nationals residing all across the country. Holders of Sri Lankan passports who find it difficult to visit the Mission personally, can now submit their renewal application conveniently to the nearest VFS Global passport renewal touchpoint instead of visiting the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh”. As part of the constant and ongoing endeavour to add value to customers’ experience, VFS Global offers optional services that make the process …

In alignment with the UAE Government’s decision to adopt a new working week schedule, and in accordance with the directives received from the client governments, VFS Global’s Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have announced new operational hours for customers. The VACs operate from Monday to Thursday, 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM, except for public holidays and on Friday, 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM, with a prayer break between 01.00 PM and 02.30 PM. The centres will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday. VFS Global helpline for customers will also transition to the new working week schedule. The announcement reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting its people and responding to changing working patterns. Atul Marwah, Head–Middle East & North Africa, VFS Global said, “Operational hours of our VACs in the UAE are revised as per the instructions received from the concerned Embassy/Consulate. We look forward to colleagues reaping the personal and professional rewards from the UAE government’s visionary and historical course of action. The future of work is changing at such a pace we have to evolve continually how we do things to meet the needs of our people and our customers.” Customers wanting to save travel time and seek greater convenience can opt for Visa At Your Doorstep service. This service gives customers the flexibility of submitting visa applications and enrolling biometrics from a location of choice, be it home, office or school campus. VFS Global staff ensures all applications are complete and ready for processing. The service is ideal for large groups travelling together, as all applications can be submitted on the same date and location. In addition to the VACs, VFS Global Philippine ePassport …

Interest in relocating to the Emirates has witnessed a pronounced uptick in 2021, as professionals from around the world look to take advantage of the UAE Government’s latest raft of innovative visa options. That’s the assessment of management and legal consultancy Swiss Group, whose clients have been keen to take advantage of increased visa flexibility, the local lifestyle, and the UAE’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic – with fewer restrictions and lower infection rates than the vast majority of global markets. Michael Lane, Managing Director of Swiss International Legal Consultants Ltd, UAE – a legal entity of Swiss Group – said: “We have definitely experienced stronger diversification of demand during the past 12 months, with numerous clients choosing to pursue the latest visa options as opposed to conventional avenues. “This trend has been especially noticeable among global entrepreneurs, many of whom have registered their interest in innovations such as the Green Visa and Remote Work Visa,” Lane continued. “We have also witnessed a significant number of enquiries relating to the Golden Visa and Retirement Visa, both of which were launched by the UAE Government in 2018.” In a bid to support individuals who are considering relocating to the UAE, and who wish to explore residency options, Swiss Group has released an up-to-date guide entitled: Decoding the UAE’s Visa Landscape Lane explained: “The UAE ranks in the top five best places to live and work globally, according to a recent HSBC study, so it’s hardly surprising that so many people are interested in relocating to the Emirates. However, with so many potential avenues available to the international market, it can sometimes be difficult to know which option is best suited to …

As Dubai continues to drive global travel recovery and growth, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai in cooperation with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa for employees of multinational companies, to further accelerate momentum across tourism and all other business sectors. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “The new Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Dubai to create new opportunities for professionals and talented individuals across the world to grow and thrive. The city has been steadily rising in status among the world’s biggest metropolises as a hub for travel, business, investment and talent, offering visitors an experience that is not only productive for work and business, but also enriching in terms of lifestyle and culture. Dubai seeks to dynamically adapt to evolving global conditions, embrace change and develop innovative initiatives to deliver future growth and offer new avenues for development and transformation, while remaining one of the world’s safest and most secure cities.” In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the best city in the world to live, work and visit, the Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa has been introduced to further simplify visa application procedures, provide ease-of-access to the city and extend the duration of stay of international visitors. The Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa is especially beneficial to employees of foreign-owned firms as it enables them to participate in events, conferences, training courses, exhibitions and …

The Al Kharj Chamber of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VFS Global for the latter to provide visa services for its members on its premises. Leveraging its doorstep visa service, VFS Global will visit the Chamber’s headquarters in Al Kharj upon request to provide end-to-end visa services to members, bringing the process to them so they do not have to visit a Visa Application Centre. VFS Global’s range of optional services such as form filling assistance, travel insurance, document scanning and uploading (for UK visa applications), among others, will also be available to members. “This partnership with VFS Global is an accelerant to positioning Al Kharj as an epicentre for trade, industry and businesses by bringing visa services closer and at further convenience to our members. We look forward to working closely with VFS Global in the coming months,” said Mr. Amash bin Al-Dafin, President, Al Kharj Chamber of Commerce. Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, Middle East & North Africa and Americas, VFS Global said, “Al Kharj is the fourth Chamber of Commerce VFS Global has partnered with in the past one year, and we are proud to be supporting the Kingdom’s 2030 vision through our services. We are excited about this new association and look forward to providing the Chamber members our best-in-class services.” VFS Global provides visa services for 30 countries for the citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 2005 through a network of 85 Visa Application Centres.