Luanda: The United Kingdom has announced its intention to bolster bilateral ties with Angola by providing access to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) services for Angolan citizens. Ambassador to Angola, Bharat Joshi, stated on Thursday in Luanda that this initiative aims to make UKVI services more accessible to national citizens, reflecting a commitment to strengthening UK-Angola relations in the field of migration.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this intent was solidified by the partnership between the United Kingdom’s Visa and Immigration Services and VFS Global, marked by the official opening of a United Kingdom Visa Application Center in Luanda for Angolan residents. Ambassador Joshi emphasized the importance of this commercial partnership, noting that the newly opened center would offer high-quality visa services and improve the visa issuance experience in Angola.
The establishment of this infrastructure signifies a significant advancement in the modernization and accessibility of visa services for the United Kingdom in Angola, providing a more streamlined and secure process for applicants. The ambassador highlighted that the “VFS-GLOBAL Visa Center” is designed to enhance the applicant’s experience through modern facilities and expedited service, utilizing cutting-edge technology for data and document processing.
Moreover, the center is expected to facilitate international mobility for Angolan citizens and residents, thereby strengthening ties between the two nations and supporting the objectives of the British Government. Alok Singhal, the head of VFS for Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the importance of the center, noting that Angolan applicants would have the option of utilizing the UKVI Priority Visa service for various applications, including tourist, work, or study visas.
Singhal expressed excitement about the new collaboration with UK Visas and Immigration in Luanda, citing a longstanding partnership since 2003 and a commitment to providing excellent services to Angolan travelers. He also mentioned VFS Global’s “Keep My Passport While Applying” service, which allows applicants to retain their passports after submitting their applications and biometric data, requiring them to resubmit only when a decision is made.
The UK Visas and Immigration Department aims to make a decision on a Priority Visa application within five days of biometric data submission. VFS Global, a global leader in outsourcing and technology services, supports governments and diplomatic missions worldwide with its innovative technological solutions, including generative AI. The organization operates over 3,500 Application Centers in 153 countries and has processed more than 305 million visa applications since 2001.