UK Visa Agency Unveils Changes Affecting Kenyan Applicants

Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global, the official service provider handling United Kingdom (UK) visa applications, has released new guidelines for Kenyan applicants amid a surge in visa demand.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 6, the company said it is taking steps to improve the experience for priority travellers as it deals with an unusually high volume of applications for UK visas.

"Owing to an unprecedented demand for UK visas this year, please note that our team is working towards creating a more comfortable customer journey for travellers with priority," read the statement in part.

The agency also revealed plans to upgrade its current waiting area facilities, adjust waiting times, and streamline the visa collection process in response to customer complaints about subpar service.

Photo of a VFS Global office. /TECHISH

To improve the overall experience, VFS also advised applicants to follow instructions from law enforcement and avoid parking along the roadside.

"We urge customers visiting our centre to adhere to the directives laid out by the City Council & the local law enforcement authorities. Kindly refrain from parking on the road or disrupting the flow of traffic for the convenience of our customers," added VFS.

Customers visiting the centre have been advised to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes ahead of their selected appointment time to avoid crowding and long waits for their appointments.

VFS reminded the public that only customers with a valid appointment would be allowed to enter the premises and recommended that only customers be present for submission.

Exceptions are, however, allowed for applicants under the age of 16, who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, as well as for elderly, disabled, or medically vulnerable individuals who need support. These individuals are encouraged to inform security personnel when they arrive.

Customers visiting the centres to collect their passports are requested to visit the centre only during the stipulated passport collection hours or opt for the courier return service for delivery of passports to their registered address.

VFS advised that customers who have paid for or plan to use the Document Upload Assistance service must bring either the original documents or clear, high-quality copies of their supporting paperwork to the Visa Application Centre.

Applicants are also required to present a valid passport or travel document that includes at least one fully blank page (front and back). During the appointment, individuals will need to provide biometric data, which includes having their photograph taken and submitting all 10 fingerprints using a digital scanner.

“Your digital photograph must be taken with a full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be visible with no hair across the eyes,” read part of the statement.

The agency also recommends that applicants keep their fingertips free of any decorations, injuries, or markings, such as cuts or abrasions, that could affect the quality of fingerprint scans. Visa applications cannot be processed without successful biometric data capture.

VFS Global's statement comes after media personality Lynn Ngugi exposed a modern-day exploitation scheme at the hands of the agency, citing serious flaws, such as the centre, relocated from the former 9West building, lacking necessities, the offices lacking parking, proper waiting areas, and shelter for applicants.

“Kenyans pay hundreds of dollars, wait in the sun, get misinformed, and walk away feeling less human. The new venue at Principal Place (yes, they left 9West) has no proper waiting area and no parking. This is by design to have you pay 17K for their VIP/Premium services,” she lamented.