The United Kingdom has launched its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, located in Lagos, Nigeria.
Operated by VFS Global, the UK’s new commercial partner, the state-of-the-art facility was set to enhance visa application services for Nigerian residents traveling to the UK.
In addition to the new Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, VFS Global also commenced operations at VACs in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos on November 19.
Speaking at the launch in Ikeja on Wednesday, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted the significance of this development.
He remarked, “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 delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”
The initiative underscored the UK’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Nigeria, one of its key partners on the continent.
Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Marc Owen described the opening of the Ikeja Centre as a landmark moment.
“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,” Owen stated.
Nigerians accounted for 5% of the global total of UK visit visas, making the country one of the largest sources of UK-bound travellers in Africa.
Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, Alok Singhal, expressed excitement about the partnership. “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services,” he said.
The new VACs offer a range of optional services aimed at enhancing customer comfort and convenience. These include assistance with document uploads, Prime Time appointments outside regular business hours, SMS notifications, and the option for passport return via courier.
VFS Global’s “Keep My Passport While Applying” service allows applicants to retain their passports after submitting their applications and biometrics, only requiring a resubmission when a decision has been made.
In Abuja, applicants can access an ‘On Demand Mobile Visa’ service, enabling them to complete their applications from their preferred location, such as their home or office.
For a more premium experience, the VACs also offer a personalised submission service with dedicated staff through their Premium Lounge.
According to the British High Commission, these optional services have no impact on the processing time or outcome of visa applications.
VFS Global has provided visa services for UK Visas and Immigration since 2003. Under its expanded contract, the organisation now offers services in 142 countries, up from the previous 58. Across Africa, VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres in 31 countries.
The new Lagos facility is expected to significantly enhance the visa application experience for Nigerian travellers, solidifying the UK’s position as a preferred destination across Africa.
