VFS Global has reaffirmed its position as a trusted partner to governments worldwide, stressing that its optional value-added services do not affect visa decisions and are offered solely for applicants’ convenience.
Mr. Hariprasad Viswanathan, COO – Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, said it operates under “rigorous oversight across all markets” and works on behalf of governments that maintain some of the world’s highest integrity and security standards.
A Defined Role: Administrative, Not Decision-Making
Mr. Viswanathan emphasises that VFS Global plays a strictly administrative role in the visa process. The company manages non-judgmental functions such as application intake, biometric collection, and document handling.
The critical aspects-assessment, approval, or rejection of visa applications-remain entirely the responsibility of sovereign governments.
This distinction, the company notes, is essential in understanding how the system operates. Governments retain full control over visa policies, appointment availability, processing timelines, and final decisions.
VFS Global: Oversight and Accountability at Scale
Operating across more than 160 countries and serving 71 client governments, Mr. Viswanathan states that its work is carried out under extensive government oversight.
Its contracts are awarded through rigorous competitive tenders that evaluate compliance, security, operational resilience, and financial strength over 12–18 months.
The company highlights that its global operations are subject to over 10,000 audits and assessments annually, conducted by both internal teams and external bodies, including those appointed by client governments.
Addressing Concerns on Value-Added Services
One area of public scrutiny has been premium or value-added services (VAS) offered at visa application centres. Mr. Viswanathan underscores that these services-such as priority lounge access or document assistance-are entirely optional and designed for applicant convenience.
“These services are developed in consultation with, approved by, and monitored by client governments,” he stated. Applicants are clearly informed-both online and at centres-that such services do not influence visa outcomes or processing times.
Importantly, pricing structures are government-approved and transparently communicated, and the company maintains a zero-tolerance approach to coercion or misrepresentation.
No ‘Premium’ Access to Visa Decisions
Responding directly to perceptions raised in recent reporting, Mr. Viswanathan stresses that no “premium appointment” improves the chances of visa approval.
Appointment systems, it says, are protected by multiple layers of security measures-including OTP authentication and CAPTCHA-to ensure fair access for all applicants.
When it detects fraudulent activity or misuse, the company works closely with local law enforcement and governments, while also running awareness campaigns such as #DoNotFallForFraud to educate applicants.
Integrity and Anti-Fraud Safeguards
He also took the opportunity to highlight their strong governance framework, including anti-bribery certification and a whistleblower hotline to report misconduct.
All employees undergo background checks, and the company investigates allegations of wrongdoing thoroughly, taking appropriate disciplinary action.
The company reiterates its zero-tolerance stance toward fraud, data misuse, or unethical behaviour, noting that such standards are critical to maintaining trust with both governments and applicants
Technology and Efficiency in Modern Visa Systems
The outsourcing model adopted by many governments lets diplomatic missions focus on core responsibilities such as security screening and decision-making, while technology streamlines administrative processes.
VFS Global states that this approach has enabled governments to handle increasing global demand for visas efficiently, with more than 547 million applications processed since 2001.
Data Protection and Privacy
Data security remains a key priority. The company operates within strict global and local data protection frameworks, including GDPR alignment, with clearly defined protocols for data storage, retention, and deletion as mandated by governments.
Regular audits ensure compliance with these standards, reinforcing safeguards around sensitive applicant information.
A Growing System Under Scrutiny
As global travel demand continues to rise, visa processing systems-and the role of private-sector partners-are increasingly under the spotlight.
VFS Global maintains that its model is both transparent and accountable, and that narratives suggesting otherwise risk misunderstanding the separation between administrative service providers and government decision-making.
Reaffirming Trust
“For over two decades, we have supported governments in delivering secure and efficient visa services at scale,” Mr. Viswanathan said, adding that its growth reflects both demand and the confidence of governments operating under some of the world’s strictest regulatory frameworks.
In reaffirming its commitment, Mr. Viswanathan said VFS Global will continue to focus on ethical practices, responsible technology use, and clear communication-ensuring that applicants remain informed, protected, and fairly served throughout the visa process.
About Hariprasad Viswanathan
Mr Viswanathan is the COO for Sub-Saharan Africa and leads all business operations for VFS Global in this region. In this role, he drives strategy, new business development, and client relationships.
Mr Viswanathan joined VFS Global in 2007 as Regional Quality Manager for South Asia. Since then, he has grown in the company, successfully leading various challenging roles within the Middle East and Africa. Mr Viswanathan has been based in Johannesburg, South Africa, since 2016.
Mr Viswanathan is a Business Administration and Hospitality graduate with over two decades of industry experience and has worked in the BPO and hospitality space before joining VFS Global.
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