VFS Global Reports 35% Increase in Visa Applications

VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, achieved new sustainability targets according to the Integrated Sustainability Report 2023, its fifth edition launched on 18 April 2024.

Among key achievements in 2023 include a 35% increase in the number of visa applications processed worldwide and other markets globally, as well as expanded service portfolio by securing seven global contracts, including the UK Visa and Immigration, the Department of Home Affairs in Australia.

In 2023, global travel bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Middle East, EU region, and Africa emerging as the top performers, according to the UNWTO’s tourism sector report. Kenya witnessed a notable surge in arrival numbers from 1,483,752 in 2022 to 1,951,185 in 2023, representing an impressive growth of 31.5%.

The extent of recovery in 2023 was at 95.24% from the 2019 international arrival levels, this is above the pre-pandemic global recovery levels of 88%. The arrivals generated tourist inbound earnings of KSh. 352,544,008,170 representing a growth of 31.5%, according to the country’s Tourism Sector Performance Report  2023.

This report follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, one of the most widely used and recognised global sustainability reporting frameworks. The report is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for the Professional and Commercial Services Sector.

VFS Global’s sustainability strategy is based on five fundamental pillars – Contributing to Sustainable Economic Growth, Good Governance, Nurturing Colleagues, protecting our Environment, and Supporting our Communities.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, VFS Global steadfastly continued its efforts to embed sustainability into its business practices, organisational culture, and strategic goals. Our ability to make a measurable difference every year has been the primary factor that sets VFS Global apart. We remain deeply committed to continuously enhancing value for all our valued stakeholders, including the society at large, and in an efficient, secure and sustainable manner,” said Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global.

“The launch of the 5^th Integrated Sustainability Report is a testament to the collective efforts of our workforce, partners, and stakeholders driving positive change. This report details the impact of our ESG initiatives and serves as a roadmap for our continued progress towards a more sustainable future,” said Shireen Mistree, Head – ESG, VFS Global.

VFS Global Visa Application Centres contributed significantly to job creation in 2023, employing a total of 10,976 individuals worldwide. Regional employment figures include 1,429 nationals from the Middle East and North Africa region, 686 from Africa, 403 from the Americas, 1,376 from the Asia-Pacific region, 1,295 from Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and 3,968 from South Asia.