The United Kingdom on Wednesday unveiled its largest Visa Application Centre in Africa, located in Ikeja, Lagos.
Operated by VFS Global, the new
centre marks a significant step in enhancing visa application services for Nigerians
travelling to the UK.
This was contained in a
statement by the British High Commission in Lagos on Wednesday.
With additional centres in
Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, now operational since November 19, the facility
in Ikeja is designed to streamline visa submissions and offer applicants a
seamless experience.
The British Deputy High
Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, attended the launch in Ikeja, emphasising the
importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship.
He expressed optimism that the
new centre would provide improved services for applicants.
“I am delighted to witness the
opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains
one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS deliver
ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” Baxter said.
Also, the Director of Visa,
Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, Marc Owen,
described the development as a milestone in offering world-class visa services.
Owen noted that over 225,000 UK
visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in the year to June
2024, reflecting the growing demand for travel to the UK.
“The opening of our new VAC in
Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a
world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.
“In the year to June 2024, we
processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all
categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to
ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all
applicants,” he noted.
The new partnership introduces
a range of enhanced services, including document upload assistance, extended
submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for
applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.
Additionally, Abuja residents
can now submit applications from their preferred locations using the Mobile
Visa Service, while a Premium Lounge option offers a personalised experience
with dedicated staff
These optional services aim to
enhance convenience for applicants without affecting processing timelines or
outcomes.
The UK remains a top
destination for Nigerian travellers, who account for five per cent of all global
UK visit visa applications.
The new facility underscores
the UK’s commitment to meeting this demand while maintaining efficient and
accessible visa services.
VFS Global, a long-term partner
of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, has expanded its operations from 58
countries to 142, further cementing its role in managing visa services
worldwide.
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