UK Visa
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Kenyans planning to visit the United Kingdom can now schedule appointments to submit their visa applications at VFS Global centres located in Mombasa and Nairobi.
This expansion comes as part of VFS Global's recent contract award to manage UK visa services across 142 countries worldwide. The new system, which took effect on October 22, 2024, directs all UK visa applicants in Kenya to process their applications through VFS Global's enhanced service platform. Alok Singhai, who heads VFS Global's operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, reiterates the significance of this development, noting their extensive experience since 2003.
"Our partnership with UK Visas and Immigration has been exemplary, and we are delighted to extend our premium services to Kenyan travellers," Singhai remarks.
The new centres introduce comprehensive service enhancements designed to optimize the application experience. Applicants can now benefit from online document upload assistance and flexible submission times through the Prime Time service, which accommodates applications outside standard business hours. The centres also offer SMS notification services to keep applicants informed of their application status, along with thorough document verification services and convenient courier return options for processed passports.
In a notable innovation for Nairobi residents, VFS Global has introduced the On Demand Mobile Visa service, enabling applicants to complete their visa submission process from their preferred location, whether at home or in the office. Additionally, the centres have implemented a "Keep My Passport" service, allowing applicants to retain their travel documents after submitting their biometric data until a decision has been reached. These supplementary services, while optional and having no bearing on visa processing times or decisions, can be arranged in advance through VFS Global's online booking platform.
This comprehensive approach reflects VFS Global's commitment to enhancing the visa application experience for Kenyan travellers. The expansion of VFS Global's presence in Kenya is part of a broader African initiative, with the company now managing UK visa applications across 31 countries on the continent. This development builds upon their established relationship with UK Visas and Immigration, previously serving 58 countries globally.