‘Indians got maximum UK visas; remain cautious against frauds; e-visa rollout next year’ | India News
NEW DELHI: Indians continue to get the maximum number of UK visas, a trend that started post Covid. Britain will from next year start implementing a “digital by default” immigration system by 2025 and introduce eVisas. While when that rolls out in India in not yet known, at VFS Global UK visa application centres (VACs) biometrics will be enrolled first, followed by document scanning for non-digital customers in a bid to reduces wait times.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has also sounded a cautioned against frauds. “Scammers may ask for personal information on social media, claiming to help with your visa application. UKVI will never contact you via social media. Fraudsters may urge quick payment via various methods. UKVI will never request payment by email, at a VAC, or into a personal bank account. Pay all associated costs, including visa fees and premium services, online on GOV.UK or partner websites,” it cautioned, adding, “Beware of fake agents who promise to expedite UK visas or request payments to personal accounts. Scammers may impersonate UKVI staff to steal your personal information. Report any suspicious activity immediately.”
“Indian nationals were the largest group to receive UK visas for visit, study and work categories in the year ending June 2024,” British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said here Tuesday while opening a new UK VAC operated by VFS Global. New permanent UK VACs have been added in Lucknow, Jaipur, Gurugram and Mysuru, taking their number from 14 to 18. “To make application process easier, VACs will now enroll biometrics first, followed by document scanning for non-digital applicants. This change will significantly reduce wait times,” VFS said.
Lindy Cameron said: “The UK-India partnership is built on millions of personal connections, shared dreams, and collective aspirations… We’re introducing significant improvements in our visa services across India, further strengthening our already excellent visa offering for Indian nationals. The vast majority of visit, work and study visa applications we receive are processed within three weeks and there are no caps on visa appointments.” UK processed almost 10 lakh visa applications in India in the year ended June 2024.
Matt Heath of UKVI said: “For the last two years, UKVI has consistently met our customer service standards, making visa decisions for visit, work or study routes within 15 working days for standard applications, five working days for priority applications, and one working day for super priority applicants. VFS consistently offer biometric appointments for UK visa applicants within five working days.”
“Looking ahead, the UK Government is moving towards a ‘digital by default’ immigration system by 2025, introducing eVisas.… While we’re excited about these innovations, we’re also committed to ensuring the safety and security of all visa applicants. I urge everyone to stay vigilant against visa fraud. Remember, UKVI will never contact you through social media, ask for payment by email or into a personal bank account, or guarantee visa offers in exchange for payment to third parties.”
VFS Global says its UK VACs in eight cities across India have relocated to larger premises – Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mysuru and Kochi.
