Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurates Asia’s largest Visa Application Centre in Connaught Place
VFS Global’s largest Visa Application Centre in Asia is located at Connaught Place, New Delhi. Spread across 67,000 sq. ft., the new centre serves 31 client governments including Canada, Australia, and UK.
VFS Global inaugurated its new Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, India, on December 2, 2015. The centre was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) Dr. Mahesh Sharma and senior diplomats of various client governments. Spread across 67,000 sq. ft. at the Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, the centre is VFS Global’s largest Visa Application Centre in Asia, and is located in the capital’s prime commercial hub, Connaught Place.
Applicants can apply for visas to 31 countries from this centre, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and the Schengen member states (for full list of governments served, see the box).
With a total of 153 counters, the centre is equipped to process in excess of 12,000 visa applications per day. Ensuring smooth movement, service, and monitoring of applications within a contiguous space, the centre sets a new standard for visa application centres globally in service innovation, design, and security.
Constructed according to International Building Code standards, the building housing the centre has comprehensive safety features, including inbuilt earthquake resistance (up to 7.5 Richter Scale), a fire refuge corridor running along the building, and multiple fire exits.
The Centre represents VFS Global’s commitment to the development of the Indian travel and tourism industry, and a commitment to excellence in the service industry. VFS Global today handles the visa application service for 35 foreign governments in India, with 328 visa application centres in 19 cities. A pioneer of the outsourced visa services industry, VFS Global was conceptualised and launched in India in 2001 before it expanded operations globally. The com- pany today serves the Government of India in 9 countries.
Speaking about the centre, Zubin Karkaria, CEO – Kuoni Group and CEO – VFS Global, said, “We are proud to launch services at our flagship centre, which is a representation of our efforts to provide best-in-class services to visa applicants in India and around the world. As we continue to witness a steady rise in travel to and from the country, we are confident of our efforts to ensure a seamless experience for travellers, by integrating technology and security into the visa application process.”
Vinay Malhotra, COO – South Asia and DVPC, VFS Global said, “We are confident of this centre’s capability to handle high volumes of applications, to host more governments, and above all, to be a one-stop-shop ‘experience centre’ for visa-related services. From incorporating the latest technology, to being mindful of applicants’ time and resources, our aim with this initiative is to add a new dimension to the travel experience.”VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. With over 1862 Application Centres, operations in 124 countries across five continents and over 111 million applications processed as on 31 October 2015, VFS Global serves the interests of 48 client governments.
Key services
- 153 counters with capability to process over 12,000 applications per day
- Multiple biometric booths with plug-and-play capability for faster turnaround times
- Premium Lounges for personalised service
- Single collection area for all passports
- One-stop-shop for visa-related value added services such as printing, copying, photographs, Internet kiosks, etc.
- Next to DLF multi-level car parking with over 1400 parking slots
- Extended operating hours during peak season • Play area for children and food court
Key features
- Contemporary design, excellent ambience
- Registration area with 22 counters and seating for over 200 people
- Separate entry and exit points, to ensure seamless flow of people even at peak times
- Earthquake-resistant building (up to 7.5 Richter Scale) • Multiple fire exits and fire refuge corridor all along the building
- Special provisions for differently-abled applicants, including ramps, washrooms and lifts
- Regular CISF patrolling, and multi-layered security checks • Well-connected by public and private modes of transport with ample parking
Information about the Centre Governments served
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Canada
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czech Republic
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. India
18. Japan
19. Latvia
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. The Netherlands
23. Norway
24. Portugal
25. Republic of Korea
26. Slovenia
27. South Africa
28. Spain
29. Sweden
30. Switzerland
31. United Kingdom
Address & timings
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi –110001
Business hours: 0900hrs to 1700hrs (Monday to Friday)
You might also like
SpiceJet creates history in the Andamans!
Becomes first airline to perform a civilian night landing at Port Blair, opening new horizons for the growth and development of the Andamans. SpiceJet, the country’s favourite low-cost carrier, accomplished
Bird Academy awarded IATA 2018 Regional top performer award
Bird Academy, one of South Asia’s Top-10 2011 IATA- certified Authorised Training Centers, has been awarded the IATA 2018 Regional Top Performer Award at the recently concluded Global Training Partners
Thai Airways expands technology partnership with Amadeus
Expanded agreement includes distribution of all content, a complete revamp of digital channels with Amadeus’ Digital Experience Suite, and implementation of cutting-edge network revenue management and payments solutions The flag