VFS Global has been awarded the contracts to provide Italy visa services in nine countries worldwide - Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom. Under these new contracts, VFS Global will continue to operate the Italy Visa Application Centers in India, Ivory Coast, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, and also roll out new centers in Baghdad and Basra, Iraq; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Polokwane, South Africa; and Gaborone, Botswana. Chris Dix, Head – Business Development, VFS Global, said "VFS Global has had a long-standing relationship with the Italian Embassies and Consulates across the globe, one that keeps strengthening each year. We are pleased to be re-awarded our contracts with them in some of our strongest markets, and even more so to be given the opportunity to serve them in new regions. Italy is a popular destination for travellers from around the world, and we look forward to providing best-in-class services to these travellers." VFS Global won its first contract to provide Italy visa services in India in 2004, and commenced operations on behalf of the Italian Embassy in New Delhi with six Italy Visa Application Centers. In the last 15 years, the count has grown to 70 Visa Application Centers across 29 countries. In 2018 alone, VFS Global processed 875,000 Italy visa applications globally. The addition of the new centers will further strengthen VFS Global's Italy visa service operations. — SG
