On March 8, 2024, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Alistair White officially opened the upgraded UK Visa Application Centre in Manila.
Situated on the 6th Floor of the Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two, the new center promises a more comfortable and efficient visa application process. With modern amenities, it can handle a higher volume of applications, ensuring a smoother experience for customers.
The inauguration was also attended by Julian Salisbury from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and Kaushik Ghosh from VFS Global.
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“This new and improved visa application center (VAC) will provide our customers with added convenience to ensure they have a smooth start to their journey to the UK, whether that’s to visit, work, or study at one of our world-leading institutions,” Ambassador White said.
Increasing number of visa applications from Filipinos
He also highlighted the increasing number of visas issued to Philippine nationals, noting that in 2023, UKVI issued about 77,500 visas to Filipinos, marking a 24% increase from the previous year.
“We’re thrilled to continue welcoming more travelers this year, underscoring the UK’s status as a prime travel destination for many in the Philippines,” he said.
Spanning 3,300 square feet, the center features 10 submission counters capable of processing over 300 applications daily. It offers a state-of-the-art Premium Lounge for those seeking personalized assistance.
“VFS Global has shared a long-standing relationship of trust with the UK Government since 2003, and this new Visa Application Centre is a reflection of the strong partnership we share,” said Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, VFS Global, said. “We are confident that this new Visa Application Centre will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth and more seamless, helping us better serve travelers to the UK better.”
The center provides optional services such as the Premium Lounge, Prime Time Appointments, Keep My Passport, Courier Return, and SMS Notifications, enhancing the application experience. Furthermore, applicants can utilize the On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service for convenient visa applications from any preferred location.
VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres in Cebu and Manila, catering to various visa types. The company, trusted by the UK Government since 2003, recently secured a global contract to deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres worldwide, estimated to process 3.8 million applicants annually.