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VFS Global

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Historical Overview

VFS Global is the consular services facilitation company. The company was established in the year 2001 as a specialist Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) agency, exclusively dedicated and focused to serve diplomatic missions and immigration authorities to facilitate the visa application procedures across the world.


This organization initially started its operations in Mumbai, India to serve the interests of Embassy of the United States in India, when the embassy was not able to handle the crowds outside the embassy. Today, the company has grown to become a leading global player [1] in this niche spectrum of business.


VFS Global focuses on serving consular sections of diplomatic missions [2] by providing administrative support. They manage non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa application process, thereby enabling the missions to focus on the key tasks of assessment and decision making.

VFS Global provides a gamut of services like dedicated visa application centres and websites [3] ; joint visa application centres [4] ; biometrics facility [5] , waiting lounges, online appointment scheduling facilities [6] , courier pick up and delivery services.


The company provides consular services in many countries like Australia, China, South Africa, France, Indonesia, Bangladesh, UAE, Russia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Ukraine, etc for people applying for travel permission to countries like USA, UK, India, Canada, France, Belgium, Australia, UAE, Italy and many more.


In early 2007, VFS Global was awarded contract by the UKBA [7] worth £ 195 million (spread over 5 years) to provide visa outsourcing services in 7 geographical regions, covering close to about 70% of UKBA visa applications globally. VFS Global is also the first Indian company to be awarded contracts for visa outsourcing services by the Government of India. As on date, VFS Global has been awarded contracts to provide outsource service to the Indian Embassy's at France [8], Thailand, China, Saudi Arabia, and the Indian High Commissions in Sri Lanka, Australia, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Canada.


VFS Global serves the interest of 26 diplomatic missions in 42 countries worldwide. On behalf of its clients [9] VFS Global handles over seven million applications (contracted) every year through its ISO certified [10] offices.


Awards & Recognitions

- In 2008, VFS Global won Microsoft Security Strategist Award [11] for outstanding leadership in information security (IS)[12].


- In 2009, VFS Global won award at the Lean Six Sigma and Process Improvement Summit 2009 [13],– The Americas in the “Best Process Improvement in Services & Transactions” Category.


Notes & References

  1. ^ [1] Global player
  2. ^ [2].com/images/Business%20India_Nov08.pdf] Visa Processing Outsouce
  3. ^ [3] Dedicated Websites
  4. ^ [4] Joint Visa Application Centres
  5. ^ [5] Biometrics Facility
  6. ^ [6] Online Appoitment Scheduling
  7. ^ [7] UKBA Contract
  8. ^ [8] Indian Visa in France
  9. ^ [9] Client Missions
  10. ^ [10] ISO Certified
  11. ^ [11]Microsoft Security Strategist Award
  12. ^ [12] Information Security
  13. ^ [13] Six Sigma & Process Improvement Awards


VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Company Type = Private company
Foundation = July 2001
Location = Mumbai, India
Industry = Business Process Outsourcing Company
Specialization = Consular Services Facilitation Company
Website = www.vfsglobal.com