Residents of the UAE can now apply for visas to Belgium at the new visa application centre launched in Abu Dhabi.

The centre was inaugurated by Dominique Mineur, Ambassador of Belgium to the UAE, on January 10.

Abu Dhabi is the second city in the Middle East, after Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, where applicants can seek visa to Belgium. The launch of a Belgium Visa Application Centre in Dubai will follow at a later date, a statement said.

As part of our focused commitment towards the global rollout of Belgium Visa Application Centres, VFS Global launched the centrally located and modern centre in Abu Dhabi, for increased convenience and ease of visa applicants travelling from the UAE.

The new centre in Abu Dhabi is located at the Joint Visa Application Centre, Level 25, Shining Tower, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Adjacent to Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi. Services at this location commenced on the December 12.

VFS Global offers visa services for 25 client governments in the UAE, since commencement of operations in the region in 2004. The centre's helpline is: +971 (0) 42055716 and email: info.belgiumuae@vfshelpline.com

Speaking at the launch, Mineur said: “The launch of the new Visa Application Centre is a step forward in Belgium’s goal to serve our clients in a better and quicker way.  Abu Dhabi is the first step and Dubai will follow. Our collaboration with VFS Global is also part of a more global plan to promote Belgium as an interesting country for tourism and business. Our collaboration with VFS Global is a long lasting and based worldwide, and I am convinced that together we can achieve these goals.”

Vinay Malhotra, COO –Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global, said: “We are honoured to partner with the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium and further extend visa services in Abu Dhabi. It is also a great privilege to be a part of the journey towards advancement of travel between the beautiful country of Belgium and the UAE. We are confident the centre will help us achieve our common goal of providing added convenience and accessibility to UAE residents applying for a visa to Belgium.” - TradeArabia News Service