The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced a significant transition in its visa application services, moving from TLScontact to VFS Global as its official commercial partner in several regions, including Nigeria.
This change is set to take effect on November 19, 2024, impacting applicants in various regions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
In a statement released by the UK government, it was confirmed that the transition will occur in phases, with other countries such as Cyprus (North), France, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan experiencing the change starting November 5, 2024.
Affected applicants are advised to remain vigilant, as they may receive emails from both TLScontact and VFS Global regarding their applications.
“It is crucial for applicants to read these communications carefully, as they may contain essential actions needed to continue their application process,” a UKVI spokesperson said.
To verify the authenticity of these emails, applicants should ensure that the sender’s address ends with either @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com, and check their junk folders to avoid missing any important updates.
For those who have already booked appointments with TLScontact, they should attend their scheduled appointments as confirmed in their email notifications. However, if applicants have paid a mandatory user pay (MUP) fee when booking with TLScontact and wish to change their appointment to one with VFS Global, they will need to pay the MUP fee again.
“In this case, it is advisable to request a refund of the initial fee from TLScontact,” the spokesperson advised.
The transition will also bring about changes to the addresses and opening hours of some visa application centres (VACs). However, the UK government assures applicants that these changes will not affect the decision-making process for their applications or the time it takes to receive decisions.
“We are committed to ensuring that our visa services remain efficient and accessible to all applicants,” the UKVI statement read.
As VFS Global prepares to take over the management of visa application centres in Nigeria, the UK government emphasizes the importance of staying informed during this transition.
“Applicants are encouraged to monitor their email communications closely to ensure a smooth application process,” the statement concluded. This restructuring of visa services reflects the UK’s commitment to improving the efficiency and accessibility of its immigration processes for applicants worldwide.
