The Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi has opened UAE’s first external visa application centre in partnership with VFS Global, a leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions worldwide.

All non-UAE nationals who are based in the UAE and who require a visa in order to enter Ireland will no longer need to visit the Embassy. They can, instead, route their visa applications through VFS Global’s centre located in downtown Abu Dhabi.

Opening the visa application centre, Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, Paul Kavanagh said: “The new external visa application centre located in downtown Abu Dhabi and operated by VFS Global will provide an excellent streamlined service for non-UAE Nationals who are based in the UAE and who require a visa in order to enter Ireland.”

UAE nationals wishing to visit Ireland are exempt from all visa requirements.

The Ireland visa application centre in the UAE is the third outsourced processing centre of Ireland in the GCC Region in partnership with VFS Global, which now operates such centres for Ireland in 15 countries across the world.

The VFS Global visa application centre for Ireland in Abu Dhabi is located at Level 25, Shining Tower on Mubarak bin Mohammed Street next to Khalidiyah Mall.

Commenting on the launch, Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO for Middle East, South Asia & China, VFS Global, said: “The VFS Global visa application centre for Ireland will offer seamless convenience to expatriates based in the UAE. Applicants based in the UAE account for a predominant share among all visa applicants from the entire GCC. Our endeavour will be to offer best-in-class visa services with utmost efficiency to ensure a delightful customer experience.”

The visa application centre is managed by professionals who are trained to provide secure and time-efficient processing of entry permit requirements in a friendly ambience. Applicants can also opt for the comfort of a Premium Lounge for more personalised service.

Some of the key features of the centre include convenience in terms of location, automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants and a dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, check-list and applicable fees. Apart from these, VFS Global staff are well trained in secure handling of passports, documents and personal information. Door-step delivery of passport is also yet another service VFS Global offers. - TradeArabia News Service