VFS Global launches mobile biometrics collection service for UK visa applicants in India

VFS Global and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have introduced an “On Demand Mobile Biometrics” service for UK visa applicants in India.

The concierge style service is designed specifically for those who want their visa application process to take place in the comfort of their home, office, hotel room or any other location of choice, subject to risk assessment.

According to a report by Business Standard, the on-demand service costs just over $1000 USD or about Rs 70,000 for up to 10 applicants. The visa fee is extra.

VFS Global will send a small team to the applicant’s location to complete the biometric enrollment process which includes taking fingerprints and a face photo. The service will be useful for high net worth individuals and large groups going to the UK such as corporate employees, students or film production unit members who do not wish to visit visa application centres.

VFS Global’s COO-South Asia Vinay Malhotra said: “This service is applicable for all categories of visas, except long-term student visas whose applicants may be required to come to the visa application centre for a video interview with authorities in the UK.”

Nick Crouch, UK Visas & Immigration’s regional director, said, “This is yet another example of UKVI and VFS working in partnership to offer visa applicants the service they want. It is a direct result of customer feedback and we are confident that these services will prove popular. We will continue to work together to improve our services even further.”

The UKVI issued more than 450,000 visas to Indian citizens last year.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  data collection  |  face photo  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  India  |  travel documents  |  UK  |  VFS Global  |  visas