VFS Global, a visa and passport administration outsourcing company, has warned applicants against visa scams.
Mr Alok Singhal, Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.
Singhal advised visa applicants to be wary of intermediaries who falsely promise early appointment bookings in exchange for payment.
He noted that appointments were free and available on the company’s website.
He said the surge in travel activity that began in 2022 had continued into 2024, with travel data showing promising trends.
According to him, outbound travel rebounded in 2024 to pre-pandemic levels, with tourism, family visits, educational and business trips being the common reasons for travel from Nigeria.
Singhal said: “It is important for applicants to bear in mind that appointment slots are offered online based on the volume of demand or forecast and in conjunction with the consulate’s internal capacity planning.
“Once scheduled, they are recommended to be at the centre 15 minutes before the appointed time, to avoid missing your slot.
“We strongly advise all applicants to be careful of touts and fraudulent parties who falsely promise early appointment bookings in exchange for payment.
“With the presence of location pins and information on popular social media and search platforms, many such fraudsters create a fake presence using company credentials like logos, official name and more.
“Also, they include their contact details in the details provided on these pages that deceive genuine travellers who mistake these details as the official presence of the company.”
He said VFS Global had implemented a number of measures to curb fraudulent excesses, which included enabling only applicants with a valid appointment to be permitted entry into the centre premises.
He said VFS Global had also implemented facial recognition appointment booking system initially with one embassy process- Portugal application-, while others would be implemented soon.
“We have made provision for visa application form validation system to integrate the form reference number with appointment booking reference for Denmark application.
“OTP code is required to book the appointment to limit the intervention of agents for Canada application.
“We have also activated anti-fraud messages across social media platforms, on the appointment letter, call centre voice messages, advertisements/posters and more.
“We urge applicants to report any such instances by emailing the details to rsocza@vfsglobal.com,” he said.
According to Singhal, VFS Global has implemented a series of measures like extended hours of operations, appointments, dedicated hours for submission and pick up of passports as well as additional waiting area for applicants requiring services at the centre.
He said applicants must take into cognisance some important factors while planning to apply for visa this season.
He noted that VFS Global does not control appointment availability adding that the firm only managed the administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visa, passport and consular services for its governments.
“We do not play any role in the decision-making process of visas. This is the sole prerogative of the respective governments.
“The availability of visa appointments, mandatory documentation, and the visa application decision, including the processing time, are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments.
“The time taken for visa processing differs with each mission. We recommend that applicants check the turnaround timelines before applying.
“Opting for any optional, value-added services, such as prime time, form-filling, or any other service, does not guarantee a quicker or more positive decision by the concerned embassy or consulate.
“On the other hand, premium services like Visa At Your Doorstep have increased over the past three years as more and more applicants seek the ease and convenience these services offer in their travel planning at an additional cost,” he said.
Singhal noted that the most common reason visa applications got rejected was due to incorrect or insufficient information submitted while applying for a visa.
He said it was important to check the respective country websites by visiting the website www.vfsglobal.com, under the document checklist section.
“The optional form-filling service offered at an additional cost for some locations could ensure the correct information is updated.
“Our Refund Policy applies to any service fees and optional value-added service charges we collect from applicants as part of the visa process.
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“This does not apply to visa and legalisation fees paid for the visa as it is at the discretion of the respective visa-issuing government.
“Applicants are eligible for a refund if they have been charged more than once for the same service or if they have paid an excess sum if proof is provided.
“To apply for a refund, they must complete the Refund Request Form with the supporting documents online within 30 days from appointment cancellation. Refunds will be processed using the same mode of payment,” he said.
According to him, VFS Global started its operation in Nigeria in 2007.
He said tbe firm’s operational presence had grown over the past decade in the country to now service 16 governments.
“This include :Austria, Canada, People Republic of China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, UAE and Ukraine to name a few.
“This has been possible through a strong workforce of over 200 Nigerian nationals who are an integral part of our operations,” he said. (NAN)
