For hundreds of Goans this might save a lot of time and money travelling to Mumbai to get their Visas stamped. Sam Murray, Regional Communications Manager, UK Border Agency tells The Goan that this facility is also a national first
The Goan: What prompted UK government to start a VisaProcessing Facility in Goa?
Sam Murray: The UK Border Agency and its commercial partner,VFS Global, continue to actively explore possibilities to expand the optionalservices available to customers, which increase the convenience and access toUK visa services. It is important to clarify that this is a mobile applicationfacility for the convenience of customers who no longer need to travel toMumbai to submit their applications.
TG: How many cities across India do you have similar VisaProcessing Facilities?
SM: Goa is the first location in India in which a mobilevisa application facility (also called mobile biometric centre) is currentlyavailable. We are exploring other locations for this facility. In addition theUK visa operation has 12 permanent visa application centres across India, whichis more than in any other country.
TG: What kind of Visa applications will the facilityprovide? Will even Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier, 3, Tier 4, Tier 5 and Student Visasalso be processed from here?
SM: Customers may make any category of UK visa applicationat the mobile facility in Goa. This includes visitor visa applications andthose under the points based system.
TG: How many Visa applications do you get normally from Goa?What kind of Visas do the people from Goa normally apply for?
SM: We do not publish visa application numbers by state.From Goa we receive a variety of visa applications including visitors.
TG: Is the quantum of applications enough to warrant a VFSfacility?
SM: We are piloting this mobile facility in Goa. Customertake-up of the service will be one factor in our evaluation of the service. Thefacility will be held at regular intervals depending on demand and customerswill be given good notice, so that they can prepare to use the facility.
TG: How will the VFS facility make life easier for a VisaApplicant to UK?
SM: Using this facility is optional. It is a convenientalternative for residents in Goa who have to travel to Mumbai to submit theirvisa applications.
TG: Will there be a quota for the number of visas that theVFS facility in Goa process per year?
SM: No, there will be no quota on the number of applicationsthat can be submitted each year. There will be a limit on the number ofapplications that can be accommodated by the facility in any session, which iswhy customers need to make an appointment in advance. The visa applicationssubmitted in Goa will continue to be processed in Mumbai.
TG: Do you intend to set up a permanent facility in Goa andif so where will it be and when will it come up?
SM: The UK Border Agency keeps the location of its facilitiesunder review, though there are currently no plans to open a permanent facilityin Goa. Further information about the mobile biometrics centre, including howto schedule an appointment, is available at www.vfs-uk-in.com
