VFS Global, the world’s leading provider of visa, consular, and technology services to governments and diplomatic missions, is partnering with SAP SE to leverage its advanced software solutions, including AI capabilities, to revolutionize cross-border mobility and citizen services. This collaboration aims to address the increasingly digital landscape of these services, where governments are actively seeking innovative technologies like AI to enhance efficiency and maintain sovereign security. VFS Global recognizes the growing complexity of traveler and citizen needs and intends to utilize SAP’s solutions to accelerate its innovation roadmap and meet these evolving demands.
The core of this partnership revolves around VFS Global’s adoption of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and other complementary SAP solutions. This strategic move signifies VFS Global’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to empower governments worldwide. By integrating SAP’s robust platform, VFS Global aims to streamline operations, improve data management, and enhance the overall experience for travelers and citizens interacting with government services. This collaboration will enable VFS Global to develop and deploy advanced digital solutions, powered by AI, that address the specific needs of governments and their constituents.
Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO of VFS Global, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing SAP’s reputation as a leading technology and AI company. He believes that by combining VFS Global’s extensive expertise in visa and consular services with SAP’s world-class solutions, they can empower governments to significantly enhance efficiency, bolster security measures, and facilitate seamless mobility for millions of travelers globally. Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for VFS Global to become an even stronger partner for governments, travelers, and citizens by leveraging the latest innovations offered by SAP.
VFS Global’s commitment to technological innovation is further underscored by its adoption of SAP Business Technology Platform and SAP Business Data Cloud. These platforms will play a crucial role in delivering cutting-edge, AI-powered solutions to VFS Global’s customers and driving operational excellence across its global operations. Michael Nilles, Chief Digital and Technology Officer of VFS Global, believes this partnership elevates cross-border mobility and citizen services, positioning VFS Global as a leader in shaping the future of GovTech and TravelTech. He envisions a future where technology and AI innovations benefit governments, travelers, and citizens worldwide.
As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP has a long-standing history of empowering organizations to optimize their operations. For over 50 years, SAP has provided solutions that unite critical business functions, including finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. This partnership with VFS Global represents a strategic alliance that aims to leverage SAP’s expertise to transform the landscape of cross-border mobility and citizen services.
VFS Global’s commitment to secure mobility is reinforced by its embrace of Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company handles the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of visa, passport, and consular service applications, allowing client governments to focus on the critical task of assessment. With a strong emphasis on responsible technology development, adoption, and integration, VFS Global prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability. Operating over 3,500 Application Centres in 158 countries, VFS Global has processed over 309 million applications since 2001, showcasing its extensive reach and experience in facilitating global mobility. Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority-owned by investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc., with minority stakeholders including the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation. This partnership with SAP is a significant step towards realizing VFS Global’s vision of a more efficient, secure, and seamless future for cross-border mobility and citizen services.
