VFS Global, a dominant player in the outsourcing and technology services sector for governments and diplomatic missions, recently celebrated a significant milestone: processing its 300 millionth visa application. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel between 2020 and 2022, which significantly hampered travel and consequently, visa applications. Despite this period of decreased activity, VFS Global processed an impressive 100 million applications in the past five years, highlighting the company’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging global circumstances. The upward trend continued with 24.1 million applications processed in 2023, a 35% increase compared to 2022, and an average of 100,000 applications processed daily between January and May 2024, demonstrating a robust resurgence in international travel and the corresponding demand for visa services.
This success, according to Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group, is a testament to the trust placed in the company by 70 client governments across 152 countries. He attributes the achievement to the reliable, secure, and innovative services VFS Global provides. This trust is further underscored by the numerous contracts awarded to VFS Global, including exclusive partnerships for visa outsourcing with the UK and Australia, as well as renewed agreements with countries like Germany, Finland, Portugal, and Japan. Karkaria emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in technology and human capital development to continuously enhance its service offerings, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry and continues to meet the evolving needs of governments and applicants alike.
The growth of VFS Global’s client portfolio is another indicator of its success. From serving 60 client governments in 2019, the company has expanded its partnerships to 70 governments, with 25 of these relationships spanning over 15 years, showcasing long-term trust and mutually beneficial collaborations. This expansion culminated in a record-breaking year in 2023, with VFS Global securing seven global visa outsourcing contracts for countries including the UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria. These achievements solidify VFS Global’s position as a preferred partner for governments seeking efficient, secure, and innovative visa processing solutions.
Since its inception in 2001, VFS Global has been a pioneer in the outsourced visa services sector, embracing innovation and technology as foundational pillars of its operations. The company has introduced 16 distinct digital solutions, including the development of robust end-to-end eVisa platforms for 12 governments, streamlining the application process and enhancing accessibility for applicants. This commitment to innovation is further exemplified by VFS Global’s pioneering work in biometric capabilities. Since 2007, the company has processed over 140 million biometric enrolments, demonstrating its expertise in incorporating these crucial security measures into visa application procedures. Recognizing the growing demand for biometric integration, VFS Global has further enhanced its capabilities with Multi-Mission Model (MMM) biometric kits, providing flexible and efficient solutions for governments seeking to implement biometric procedures.
Currently, VFS Global is focusing on leveraging Generative AI (GenAI) to optimize customer journey efficiency. Understanding the ethical implications of AI implementation, the company partnered with the Responsible AI Institute to ensure responsible and ethical AI practices within its operations. As a tangible demonstration of its commitment to AI technology, VFS Global has established AI hubs in Mumbai and Dubai, with plans to open a third hub in Berlin. These strategic investments in AI technology highlight VFS Global’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance its service offerings and further improve the visa application experience for both applicants and client governments.
As a global leader in its domain, VFS Global continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of international travel and visa processing. The company plays a crucial role in facilitating international mobility by managing the non-judgmental and administrative aspects of visa, passport, and consular service applications. This allows client governments to focus on the critical assessment process, thereby increasing their productivity and efficiency. By embracing technological advancements like GenAI, streamlining processes through digital solutions, and maintaining a strong commitment to security and efficiency, VFS Global continues to solidify its position as a vital partner for governments and a trusted service provider for millions of visa applicants worldwide. The company’s continuous pursuit of innovation and its customer-centric approach ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry, poised to meet the evolving needs of the global travel ecosystem.
