UK Launches Africa’s Largest Visa Application Centre in Lagos

News/Opinion

UK Launches Africa’s Largest Visa Application Centre in Lagos

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

The United Kingdom (UK) announced the opening of a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, partnering with VFS Global.

Operated by VFS Global, the new center marks a significant step in enhancing visa application services for Nigerians travelling to the UK.

According to the Punch, this was contained in a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos on Wednesday.

With additional centers in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, now operational since November 19, the facility in Ikeja is designed to streamline visa submissions and offer applicants a seamless experience.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, attended the launch in Ikeja, emphasizing the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship.

He expressed optimism that the new centre would provide improved services for applicants.

“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,” Baxter said.

Also, the Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, Marc Owen, described the development as a milestone in offering world-class visa services.

Owen noted that over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in the year to June 2024, reflecting the growing demand for travel to the UK.

“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient, and meet the needs of all applicants,” he noted.

The new partnership introduces a range of enhanced services, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.

Additionally, Abuja residents can now submit applications from their preferred locations using the Mobile Visa Service, while a Premium Lounge option 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 top destination for Nigerian travellers, who account for five per cent of all global UK visit visa applications.

The new facility underscores the UK’s commitment to meeting this demand while maintaining efficient and accessible visa services.

VFS Global, a long-term partner of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, has expanded its operations from 58 countries to 142, further cementing its role in managing visa services worldwide.