The introduction of this facility is aimed at providing high level, customer-oriented services to nationals of 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa in their New Zealand visa application process.
DUBAI – VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions and governments, commenced its services for managing New Zealand visa applications in Dubai with the opening of a New Zealand Visa Application Centre. Mr Nigel Bickle, Head of Immigration New Zealand, and Mr Paul John, Chief Financial Officer, VFS Global, inaugurated the new facility located at Wafi Mall on 18 September.
Catering to the growing demand of New Zealand bound travellers in the region, this strategic move is aimed at offering new services, facilities and benefits to visa applicants, and boost tourism, trade & investment, and bilateral ties between New Zealand and the Middle Eastern and North African region.
Speaking about the opening of the Visa Application Centre in Dubai, Mr Bickle said, “The VAC will carry out administrative tasks on behalf of INZ and provide a range of additional customer services, including access to a call centre with English and Arabic language speakers. The INZ VAC will operate from an existing VFS Global flagship facility in Dubai, also used by the United Kingdom and Australia. VFS Global successfully runs VACs for INZ in China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The new arrangements in Dubai are part of INZ’s Vision 2015 change programme, aimed at having a more flexible, responsive and efficient operating model world-wide. Together, these changes will make applying for a visa quicker and easier for the customer, with more consistent decisions. It will also make visa processing more efficient for INZ, allowing a greater focus on attracting people with skills, talent and capital to New Zealand.”
“VFS Global is privileged to be associated with the INZ since 2011, and is currently their commercial partner for services in six countries, operating 10 VACs in China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. This extension of our association with the Government of New Zealand reflects their faith in our abilities, and the company is confident this will go a long way in forging a longstanding partnership with VFS Global”, he added.
The VFS Global operated New Zealand Visa Application Centre will accept temporary entry and family residence visa applications from customers living in 20 Middle Eastern and North African countries.
The key features of the new centre are:
- Conveniently located and easily accessible state-of-the art Visa Application Centre
- Longer operating hours allowing applicants to visit at a time of their convenience
- Professional and responsive staff dedicated to handle visa queries and applications
- Automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants, providing better crowd management
- Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements and check-list, applicable fees and application status
- Dedicated call centres and email support to answer queries and status of application
- 100% secure handling of passports, documents and personal information
- In-VAC feedback kiosks and forms, and online feedback services for applicants to share their recommendations and feedback about the services
- Online tracking of application status
- SMS alerts for visa status update on mobile phones
- Door-step delivery of passports
- Dedicated visa enquiry desks in English and Arabic
- Priority facilitation for disabled, senior applicants and pregnant women
- Premium Lounge for comfortable and personalised service
Applicants can also benefit from various features offered at Wafi, such as:
- Convenient parking facilities and dedicated VIP parking
- Prayer rooms in the mall
- ATM and currency exchange facilities in the mall
- Food court and play area for children
The New Zealand Visa Application Centre will remain open from 09:00 to 17:00 hrs from Sunday to Thursday, keeping in mind the convenience of the applicants.
VFS Global does not in any way influence the outcome of the visa application process. The decision to approve or decline a visa application can only be made by an Immigration New Zealand officer.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
