VFS Global conducted a series of roadshows across India, facilitating proactive engagement with the travel trade. The roadshows highlighted the offerings for the peak travel season, providing participating agents with a valuable opportunity to address their challenges.
– Prativa Vaidya Bhalla
The outreach series commenced in Bhubaneswar on February 19, 2024, and concluded in Kochi on March 26, 2024. It covered cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai, attracting over 1,200 participating agents.
The team representing VFS Global at the countrywide events was Vishal Jairath, Head South Asia, Visa Operations; Sharad Gowani, Regional Head, West; and Jaya Amit Mitra, Regional Head, South India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. The event also received an overwhelming response from travel associations represented by Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, and Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI.
At the Delhi chapter, Vishal Jairath, outlining the company’s global presence, said, “VFS Global operates in 149 countries and serves 67 client governments. In India, we operate in 19 cities, including the recent addition of Lucknow in 2023. We have seen a significant increase in application volumes, with a 16 per cent year-on-year growth from 2022 to 2023.” He further added, “Delhi, reflecting national trends, has experienced a 10 per cent year-on-year growth, though slightly lower than other parts of North India. Premium services like ‘Visa at Your Doorstep’ have seen a fivefold increase since 2019, catering to tier 3 and tier 4 city residents.”
Insights Gathered
The events focussed on primary information dissemination, such as the need to book appointments in advance, as most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days or three months before the date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09 February 2020, one can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before the date of travel. Highlighting VFS Global’s rigorous ongoing efforts, Vishal said, “Our appointment management system has seen improvements with easy availability for many client governments within two to three working days. We continue to address concerns regarding appointment availability, advocating for better solutions.”
Another key point emphasised during the meeting was the reminder that visa appointments are provided free of charge and exclusively available only on www.vfsglobal.com. The agents were also updated on the operational changes taking place within the regions, and VFS Global sought the opportunity to promote Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) and Premium Lounge Services.
Industry Challenges
The Roadshows provided an ideal platform for discussions on challenges for the travel trade. Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, addressing the issue of touts operating within the industry, said, “Their presence undermines the integrity of the visa application process and must be tackled collectively so that we can create a healthier environment by enabling legitimate travel agents.” The improvement of technology solutions is essential for streamlining processes and enhancing user experience. She further added, “Leveraging VFS Global’s expertise as a trusted technology partner, we can facilitate these advancements, ensuring smooth operations for all involved.”
The spirited Q&A sessions brought attention to the challenges encountered by travel agents in their daily operations. Highlighting the necessity for collaboration and mutual support, they emphasised the interdependence between VFS and the travel industry. Together, they share the goal of advancing the industry while stressing the importance of constructive dialogue and partnership. Through collective effort, the aim is to tackle challenges, promote innovation, and offer exceptional service to travellers. VFS Global was commended for their call for stronger collaboration between VFS, missions, and industry associations, as the need for a robust connection to resolve visa-related issues swiftly is paramount, given the industry’s reliance on timely documentation and approvals.
Vishal emphasised, “Efforts to curb touting activities and enhance customer service are ongoing, with infrastructure expansion and additional hiring to meet peak period demands. Overall, we are committed to providing efficient visa processing services while addressing stakeholder concerns.”
