All Hands On Deck: VFS Global Takes Visa Applications Offshore For Maritime Industries
More shipping companies and firms employing offshore workers are using a unique ‘visa on the seas’ service for arranging the documentation required for employees working in territorial waters or foreign ports, according to new figures from VFS Global, the leading company that processes visa applications on behalf of 71 governments. Under international rules such as ...
VFS Global, a leading company processing visa applications for 71 governments, has expanded its 'Visa on the Seas' service to cater to the unique needs of shipping companies and firms employing offshore workers. Under international regulations like the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), shipowners are accountable for visas, transit documents, and right-to-work permissions for crew members joining or leaving ships in foreign ports or territorial waters.
However, seafarers and offshore workers often encounter challenges in traveling ashore to submit their documents and biometric details.
Since 2019, VFS Global has offered a 'Visa at your Doorstep' (VAYD) service, enabling applicants to complete their entire visa application process from their preferred location, including document submission, form checking, and biometric enrolment. Originally introduced for short-notice business applications, the service has gained significant traction in the maritime sector, with VFS Global processing 3,000 applications since its introduction at sea and ports.
To provide the service onboard vessels, VFS Global staff have even used helicopters to reach ships at sea.
The VAYD solution for shipping companies was initially launched during the COVID period when Hafnia Law Firm sought a solution for seafarers and offshore workers working on the Baltic Line project. Given the critical timelines and the need to mobilize large volumes of crew members for Denmark visa applications, VFS Global developed a tailored solution for maritime industries.
Since then, VFS Global has continued to support Denmark visa processing requirements for offshore applicants and process numerous other applications in the maritime sector.
Kishen Singh, VFS Global's COO for Europe and the Americas, stated that reaching the 3,000 visa applications processed mark demonstrates the service's popularity in the shipping and maritime industry. The VAYD service not only addresses the issue of workers having to travel to visa application centres on shore but also allows applicants to retain their passports, eliminating the need for post-approval waiting time for passport returns. VFS Global aims to continue processing more applications in the coming years.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
