The Embassy of Sweden in Abu Dhabi has outsourced its visa application process to VFS Global, a global outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions and governments worldwide.

People who want to apply for Schengen visas to Sweden can do so at the two new centres managed by VFS Global – one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai in UAE. While VFS Global will accept visa applications, the Embassy will continue to make the assessment and decisions regarding all visas.

The new Visa application centres are located at Wafi Mall, Level 2 in Dubai and Shining Tower, Level 25, in Abu Dhabi.

Jan Thesleff, The Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE, along with Ajit Alexander, COO - Middle East and Africa, VFS Global, today inaugurated the Sweden Visa Application Centre at the Joint Visa Application Centre in Dubai.

“I am delighted to be able to offer a substantially increased service-level for Sweden visa applicants. VFS Global has presence both in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai and as visa applicants can turn to them to apply, we are getting closer to our customers and hopefully also shortening handling times. VFS Global handles applications for Sweden visa applicants in many places around the world and I am confident that doing so in the UAE will further increase our exchange with this important country,” said Thesleff.

The centre in Dubai will accept applications for visas to Sweden from applicants and travel agents residing in the UAE. The service would attract a nominal service fee, payable at the centre at the time of submitting applications.

The centre will remain open from 0900hrs to 1700hrs for enhanced convenience to applicants and travel agents. The key features of the centre facility include:

• Priority facilitation for disabled, senior applicants and pregnant women;
• Premium Lounge for comfortable and personalised service;
• Professional and responsive staff with local language capability dedicated to handle visa queries and applications;
• Automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants, providing better crowd management;
• Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, check-list and applicable fees;
• Dedicated call centres and email support to answer queries and status of application
• 100 per cent secure handling of passports, documents and personal information;
• In-VAC feedback kiosks and forms, and online feedback services  for applicants to share their recommendations and feedback about the services;
• SMS alerts for visa status update;
• Door-step delivery of passports;
• Dedicated visa enquiry desks in English and Arabic – TradeArabia News Service