The United Kingdom has inaugurated its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, located in Ikeja, Lagos. Operated by VFS Global, this new facility is a major advancement in improving visa application services for Nigerians traveling to the UK.
According to a statement from the British High Commission in Lagos, the centre became operational on November 19, alongside additional facilities in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos. The Ikeja centre aims to streamline the visa submission process and provide a seamless experience for applicants.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, attended the launch, highlighting the strong ties between the UK and Nigeria. “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,” he remarked.
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, described the new centre as a significant milestone. He noted that over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in the year leading to June 2024, reflecting a growing demand for UK travel.
“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in providing a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and across Africa. This new partnership underscores our commitment to accessible, efficient visa services that meet applicants’ needs,” Owen added.
The new partnership introduces several enhanced services, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option to retain passports after biometric enrolment. Abuja residents can also use the Mobile Visa Service for applications, while the Premium Lounge offers a personalized experience with dedicated staff.
These optional services aim to enhance convenience for applicants without affecting processing timelines or outcomes.
The UK remains a popular destination for Nigerian travelers, accounting for 5% of all global UK visit visa applications. The new facility demonstrates the UK’s dedication to meeting this growing demand while ensuring efficient and accessible visa services.
Since its partnership with UK Visas and Immigration began in 2003, VFS Global has expanded operations from 58 countries to 142, further establishing itself as a leader in visa service management worldwide.
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