Kingdom

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2024

Northern

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The United Kingdom (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK</a>) has officially opened its new Visa Application Center in Ikeja, Lagos State. The centre, which was opened on Wednesday, is the largest in Africa. Though it has been in operation since November 19, there are other United Kingdom visa application centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos. 
According to the British High Commission, the facility is motivated by the need to boost visa application services for Nigerians travelling to the UK. Operated by VFS Global, the new centre is focused on offering Nigerians a stress-free application experience as well as flexible visa submission.&nbsp; 
VFS Global, a long-term partner of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, has continued to expand its services from 58 countries to 142. It again cements its role in managing visa services worldwide. 
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 British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter
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The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, who attended the launch stressed the importance of the United Kingdom-Nigeria continued relationship. He added that the new centre will offer applicants an improved service. 
“I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” Baxter said. 
The Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, Marc Owen, also emphasized the initiative as a massive growth in delivering world-class visa services. 
“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa,” he said. 
<h4 id="improved-access-to-the-united-kingdom" class="wp-block-heading">Improved access to the United Kingdom</h4> 
The United Kingdom, comprising <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">England</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scotland</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wales</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Ireland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Ireland</a> has always been a top destination for Nigerians. Reports show that Nigerian travellers account for five per cent of all global UK visit visa applications. 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="961" height="530" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UK-visa-application-center-in-Lagos.jpg" alt="UK visa application center in Lagos" class="wp-image-240666">
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 L-R: VFS UKVI Account Management Team, Mr. Kingsley Magee; Chief Operating Officer – Global Operations, and Head of UKVI Account Management Team, Mr. Srinarayan Sankaran; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; Director for Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Mr. Marc Owen; Head- Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, Mr. Alok Singhal at the inauguration of the newly opened United Kingdom Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos on 27 November 2024. Image Credit: PunchNews
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While reflecting on the growing demand for travel to the UK, Owen also noted that over 225,000 United Kingdom visa applications from Nigerians were processed between January and June 2024. He added that this is evidential to the commission’s commitment to ensuring the availability of visa services. 
“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 United Kingdom visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient, and meet the needs of all applicants,” he pointed out. 
The new facility signifies the UK’s commitment to meeting the demands of Nigerian travellers and also maintaining efficient and accessible visa services. It likewise introduces a range of enhanced services, including document upload assistance, SMS updates, extended submission hours, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports following biometric enrolment. 
Moreover, it was stated that Abuja residents can now submit applications from their preferred locations using the Mobile Visa Service. A Premium Lounge option thereby offers a personalized experience with dedicated staff. 
As part of its recent partnership with Nigeria, the United Kingdom through its Department of Business and Trade in February signed an investment deal with Nigeria. The deal was aimed at boosting bilateral trade and reducing commercial barriers between both countries. 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="280" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UK-x-Nigeria.jpg" alt="UK and Nigeria flag" class="wp-image-240668" style="width: 100%;height:auto">
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 The United Kingdom and Nigeria flag
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The enhanced trade and investment partnership was the first such deal struck between the UK and an African country. The agreement also put an end to the removal of barriers which has prevented lawyers from practising international and foreign law in the country. It likewise enhances further collaboration in the education, film, and media industry. 
The first nine months of 2023 saw total trade between the United Kingdom and Nigeria total £7 billion ($8.8 billion).&nbsp; 
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://technext24.com/2024/08/27/guide-applying-for-new-us-visa-nigeria/#google_vignette" rel="noreferrer noopener">A simple guide to applying for a U.S. visa in Nigeria using the new service provider.</a>

United Kingdom unveils new visa application center in Lagos, largest in Africa

Technext.ng

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