VFS Global has officially launched Africa’s largest UK visa application centre (VAC) in Ikeja, Lagos, with operations beginning on November 19. This expansion aims to enhance the visa application process for Nigerians wishing to travel to the United Kingdom.
The new centre, one of the largest of its kind on the continent, will provide applicants with a more accessible, efficient, and world-class service. Nigerians can now book appointments to submit visa applications at VACs in both Abuja and Lagos, with locations in Ikeja and Victoria Island.
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), expressed his enthusiasm for the opening. “The new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global. In the year leading up to June 2024, we processed over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals, and this new partnership underscores our commitment to making our visa services more accessible,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures, including Kingsley Magee from the VFS UKVI account management team, Srinarayan Sankaran, Chief Operating Officer Global Operations at VFS Global, Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Marc Owen, and Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global. Baxter remarked, “I’m delighted to be here as we mark this important occasion. Nigeria is one of the UK’s most important partners, and this facility will help ensure that we continue to provide exceptional services for UK visa applicants.”
Alok Singhal also shared his excitement about the new development, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between VFS Global and UKVI, which dates back to 2003. “We look forward to delivering the best-in-class services to Nigerian travelers,” Singhal said.
In addition to the launch of the new centre, VFS Global offers a range of value-added services (VAS) to make the visa application process smoother. Applicants now have the option to use services such as document upload assistance, prime-time appointments for submissions outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking services, and the courier return of passports once a decision is made.
One of the standout services is the “Keep My Passport While Applying” feature, which allows applicants to retain their passports after submitting their visa applications and enrolling their biometrics. Customers only need to re-submit their passport once a decision has been reached.
For applicants in Abuja, VFS Global also offers the “On Demand Mobile Visa” service, enabling them to submit their visa applications from the comfort of their home or office, providing even more convenience for those unable to travel to a VAC. Additionally, the Premium Lounge service offers a more personalized experience with dedicated staff for submission.
Applicants can book appointments in advance via VFS Global’s official website at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/gbr or directly at the visa application centre. VFS Global emphasized that while these services are optional, they do not affect the processing timeline or the outcome of the visa application.
With this new centre, VFS Global aims to further streamline and improve the visa application experience for Nigerians seeking to travel to the United Kingdom, ensuring the process is more convenient, accessible, and efficient.