The UK on Wednesday unveiled its largest Visa Utility Centre in Africa, situated in Ikeja, Lagos.
Operated by VFS World, the brand new centre marks a major step in enhancing visa software providers for Nigerians travelling to the UK.
This was contained in a press release by the British Excessive Fee in Lagos on Wednesday.
With extra centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, now operational since November 19, the power in Ikeja is designed to streamline visa submissions and supply candidates a seamless expertise.
The British Deputy Excessive Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, attended the launch in Ikeja, emphasising the significance of the UK-Nigeria relationship.
He expressed optimism that the brand new centre would offer improved providers for candidates.
“I’m delighted to witness the opening of this, the most important visa software centre in Africa. Nigeria stays one of many UK’s most vital companions, and we hope that VFS ship ever-improving providers for these making use of for visas to the UK,” Baxter stated.
Additionally, the Director of Visa, Standing and Data Companies at UK Visas and Immigration, Marc Owen, described the event as a milestone in providing world-class visa providers.
Owen famous that over 225,000 UK visa purposes from Nigerian nationals had been processed within the yr to June 2024, reflecting the rising demand for journey to the UK.
“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an thrilling milestone for UKVI and VFS World within the provision of a world-class UK visa service right here in Nigeria and elsewhere throughout Africa.
“Within the yr to June 2024, we processed greater than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals throughout all classes and this new partnership demonstrates our continued dedication to making sure our visa providers are accessible, environment friendly and meet the wants of all candidates,” he famous.
The brand new partnership introduces a spread of enhanced providers, together with doc add help, prolonged submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the choice for candidates to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.
Moreover, Abuja residents can now submit purposes from their most well-liked places utilizing the Cell Visa Service, whereas a Premium Lounge possibility gives a personalised expertise with devoted workers.
These non-obligatory providers purpose to boost comfort for candidates with out affecting processing timelines or outcomes.
The UK stays a high vacation spot for Nigerian travellers, who account for 5 per cent of all international UK go to visa purposes.
The brand new facility underscores the UK’s dedication to assembly this demand whereas sustaining environment friendly and accessible visa providers.
VFS World, a long-term accomplice of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, has expanded its operations from 58 nations to 142, additional cementing its position in managing visa providers worldwide.