VFS Global is expanding its services in Nigeria to help manage the growing demand on visa application systems, particularly as more Nigerians travel in organised groups. Siddharth Mehra, Chief Operating Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company’s goal is to make every traveller’s journey “smooth, supported by technology, security, and trust,” while providing a visa application experience that is “flexible, accessible, and reliable.”
The expansion responds to rising demand for faster and more convenient visa submissions, especially in regions far from Lagos and Abuja, which have traditionally handled most applications.
VFS Global has introduced mobile submission options and new Premium Application Centres in Enugu, Kano, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, offering alternatives to long-distance travel and crowded appointment schedules. The mobile system allows applicants to complete biometrics and paperwork from locations of their choice, including homes, offices, and team camps.
The Premium Application Centres provide a hotel-like environment for UK visa applicants, with services such as document scanning, real-time notifications, courier return of passports, and optional services like “Keep My Passport While Applying” and “Prime Time Appointments.” Applicants can now benefit from comfort, privacy, and faster processing without having to travel to Lagos or Abuja.
Additionally, VFS Global has introduced extended-hour appointments, including evenings and weekends, and offers form-filling support for those who need guidance. Several Nigerian organisations have recently made large group bookings using a combination of mobile and premium centre services.
Operating in 165 countries with over 3,900 centres, VFS Global manages visa-processing tasks for 69 governments and has handled more than 514 million transactions since 2001.
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