UP: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a new global gateway for the state with the inauguration of the first VFS Global Joint Visa Application Centre (JVAC) and the VFS Global Academy in the capital Lucknow on 04, February 2023 i.e. Saturday.

According to the officials, VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for government and diplomatic missions. The VFS Visa Application Center is meant for the convenience of people applying for a visa, the officials added.

Details of the JVAC

The commodious and comfortable facility equipped with modern amenities and services will have the capacity of processing approx.1.2 lakh applications a year. This initiative will benefit the citizens of Uttar Pradesh, who till now had to travel to other cities like New Delhi to submit their visa applications.

The JVAC is spread across 24,000 sq. ft. The centre is likely to cater to travellers bound for Austria, The Netherlands, The Czech Republic, Switzerland, Estonia, Hungary, Portugal, Germany, Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Taking notes from the location, the centre is located strategically on the 1st floor of the Interstate Bus Terminal, Alambagh (Shalimar Gateway Mall). JVAC is all set to provide unparalleled access to travellers using the inter-state bus service from the remote parts of Uttar Pradesh. It is also a short drive away from the Lucknow railway station, the airport and a walk away from the Alambagh metro station.

Moreover, the centre is equipped to manage the travel demand seamlessly with 11 submission counters and 3 biometric stations. For a discerning set of applicants seeking enhanced submission experience services, the facility has premium optional services such as Premium Lounges that enable application submission without having to wait in a queue. Form-filling assistance, Courier Pass back, Courier Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance and SMS Notification are some of the other optional services to be available at the centre.

Also, the state government has taken initiatives to ease visa accessibility. VFS Global will open an academy in partnership with Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company with brands including the iconic Taj – ranked as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand as per Brand Finance – SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger, to train local youth in world-class hospitality skills and enable employability in line with the UP-government’s skilling programme.

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“It will make UP shine on the global Map”: VFS Global CEO

Addressing the event, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VFS Global, Zubin Karkaria said, “It is our great honour and pride to have the Honourable Chief Minister of UP, Shri Yogi Adityanath, inaugurate the Lucknow joint visa application centre. This centre is a testament to our commitment to the people of UP. Given the visionary governance demonstrated by Yogiji’s government, the state of UP has great potential to become a global investment hub. We have worked with the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India, for nearly 15 years supporting inbound tourism to India as well as aiding overseas travel for millions from the country.”

“The new Lucknow VAC would augment our commitment by significantly easing visa accessibility, empowering local youth through skilling and job creation and contributing towards making UP shine on the global map,” the VFS Global CEO added.

VFS Global academy will bring world-class tourism: MLA Rajeshwar Singh

Taking notes from the initiatives, MLA, Sarojini Nagar Lucknow, Dr Rajeshwar Singh said, “Lucknow makes a big move to integrate with global networks. While heartily welcoming VFS Global to Uttar Pradesh, I humbly commend the initiatives of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath who has consistently been committed to the progress of the state. The infrastructure development heralded over the last 6 years will support the huge tourist influx this VFS Global initiative will lead to. The academy will bring in world-class tourism and hospitality education which will further hone the skills in this regard of our youngsters, generating more employment opportunities. This is one more feather in the brand Uttar Pradesh story.”