The UK Government has announced changes in Visa application process affecting Kenyans and foreigners from 26 other countries.
In a statement on Monday, October 21, the UK High Commissioner in Nairobi said the Visa application centres are operated by commercial partners on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration.
Advertisement
The Commissioner explained that the commercial partner will change for some locations outside the UK from the current TLScontact to VFS Global
“Between September 2024 and January 2025, the commercial partner will change from TLScontact to VFS Global in some locations in: Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Other parts of the world are not affected,” reads the statement.
Advertisement
The Embassy clarified that individuals whose applications is affected will get emails from TLScontact and VFS Global.
Additionally, the foreign government directed Kenyans to check their emails and follow the instructions to continue with their visa application.
Advertisement
“Read all emails you receive from TLScontact and VFS Global. They may have actions you need to take to continue your application.Check your junk folders to make sure you have not missed anything,” the Embassy explained.
To confirm the email is genuine, applicants have been directed to check whether the sender’s email address ends in either @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.
Also Read: Ruto Announces New Kenyan Digital Nomad Visa
Kenyans Who Booked UK Visa Appointment with TLScontact
Applicants should attend their appointment as normal and check their email confirmation for the address of appointment.
The Commissioner said Kenyans who change their appointment may need to pay the mandatory user pay (MUP) fee again.
However, should ask TLScontact to refund your MUP fee if this happens.
“If you want to get in touch about the service you received from TLScontact, go to the TLScontact website. Choose the relevant country and visa application centre, then follow the link to the help page,” the Embassy said.
These changes will not affect the decision on application and how long it takes to get a decision.
Also Read: German Embassy In Nairobi Announces Date for Resuming Visa Services
Locations Changing Commercial Partner
From 22 October, VFS Global will operate visa application centres in Kenya, Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Other countries that will be affected on the said date are: Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa and Tunisia.
From 5 November, VFS Global will operate visa application centres in Cyprus (North), France, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
VFS Global is already operating the visa application centre in Belgium.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
