The Big Middle East Report
Visa check
VFS will now handle Canadian visas in Dubai while its Riyadh office will also deal with Portuguese visas
VFS Global, as part of a contract awarded by the Government of Canada, has introduced Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) services in Dubai for applicants wishing to travel to Canada.
Under the contract, VFS Global will establish a robust worldwide network of up to 125 CVACs. This centre is the second such centre in the UAE. Canada Visa Application Services have also been introduced in Oman earlier in March.This network of CVACs will provide increased access and enhanced administrative services to applicants through a consistent service delivery approach, which will also support biometrics implementation. "This new centre in Dubai will offer another service option to travellers in the UAE, in addition to our VAC in Abu Dhabi," said Emmanuel Kamarianakis, Canada’s consul general to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. "Canada’s partnership with VFS Global complements the excellent visa services already offered nationally online through e-applications."The CVAC will provide exclusive services for the Government of Canada, and is authorised to accept applications in all temporary resident categories (visitor visas, study and work permits) and travel document applications from Canadian permanent residents in UAE. The CVAC is authorised to provide administrative support services, such as the collection of visa applications, and return of passports in sealed decision envelopes to applicants. The CVAC can also assist in scheduling interviews on behalf of the Canadian visa office.PortugalThe Embassy of Portugal in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has also outsourced its visa application process to VFS Global. People who want to apply for Schengen visas to Portugal can now do this at VFS Global in Riyadh. The Ambassador of Portugal to the Saudi Arabia, Dr Manuel Carvalho, said: "We expect that this new service, especially when it is extended to Jeddah and Al Khobar will facilitate travelling to Portugal for Saudi resident. We are a peaceful, welcoming, beautiful country that we hope many more Saudis will soon discover. "