June 6, 2017 TnH Global

VFS Global signs Government of Georgia as 55th client government to set up first operations in India

Georgia Visa Application Centres soon to begin operations in five cities across India

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has awarded a contract to VFS Global, for the setup and operation of Georgia Visa Application Centres in five cities in India. The centres are set to commence services in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai in the coming weeks.

The new centre in New Delhi was formally inaugurated by Giorgi Tabatadze, Director of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and HE Mr. Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India on June 5^th, 2017. Services for applicants at this centre are expected to begin by the end of June 2017. The inauguration was also attended by other key members from the Embassy of Georgia and VFS Global.

Georgia is VFS Global’s 55th client government worldwide, and the 38th to be served in India. Notably, VFS Global added three new client governments to its global client base in May 2017 alone – namely Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, and now Georgia.

At the launch, HE Mr. Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India, said, “I am happy to note that after several months of intensive consultations, we have successfully accomplished negotiation process with VFS Global and finally signed a contract which allows us to facilitate and offer more accessible services to the Indian travellers through the several VFS Visa Application Centres in India. Over the last years, we are pleased to observe significant progress in our bilateral relations with India. Georgia is emerging as a popular destination among travellers in India for purposes of tourism, education, business, etc. I believe that with our common commitment and efforts we will witness further achievements in the years to come. We are looking forward to close partnership with VFS Global.”

Georgia is emerging as a popular destination among travellers in India, who visit the Eastern European country for purposes of education (especially medical education), business, and tourism.

Commenting on the launch, Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global, “We are honoured to enter into this partnership with the Government of Georgia to begin offering visa application services in India. VFS Global’s nationwide network of visa application centres will make Georgia visa services more easily accessible for citizens, and will go a long way in significantly increasing travel to Georgia and enhancing its perception as a popular tourist destination.”

Key features of the centre include:

Convenient and central location
Skilled staff well-versed with the local language to handle applications and queries
Extended operating hours enabling visitors to submit applications at their time of convenience
Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, checklist, applicable fees, visa status update
100% secure handling of passports, documents and personal information
Premium Lounges for personalised service
One-stop-shop for visa-related value added services such as printing, photocopying, photographs, Internet kiosks, etc.
Doorstep delivery of passports