The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of new UK Visa Application Centres in Enugu and Port Harcourt. These centres are designed to enhance the accessibility of visa applications for Nigerian travelers ahead of the upcoming summer travel season.
According to a statement released in Abuja, the new centres will provide applicants with a convenient way to submit documents and enroll for biometrics, reducing the travel time and effort for residents of Enugu and Rivers States.
The new Premium Application Centres, operated by VFS Global, join the existing facilities in Abuja and Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island). These additional locations are expected to help manage the increasing demand for UK visas, particularly during peak periods.
Lord David Hanson, Minister of State at the UK Home Office, confirmed the reopening of the Premium Visa Application Centres in Port Harcourt and Enugu. He emphasized the significance of these centres amidst the surge in visa applications. Hanson stated that in 2024, over 230,000 visa applications were received from Nigerian nationals across various visa routes. He expressed his belief that these new centres will offer greater convenience to applicants and reflect the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship.
Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, assured that the new centres will maintain the high-quality service standards of the existing locations. He expressed his pleasure in opening these conveniently located touchpoints, which will enable them to cater to a larger number of UK-bound travelers from Nigeria.
Applicants utilizing the new centers can access additional services, such as assistance with document uploads, real-time updates on application status, and courier delivery of documents. They also have the option to opt for the “Keep My Passport While Applying” service, which enables them to retain their passport after submitting their application and biometrics, only returning it once a decision is finalized.
VFS Global, a partner of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, previously provided services in 58 countries. In 2023, they secured a contract to expand their operations to an impressive 142 countries worldwide.
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