Now, ATM-like device for hassle-free visa submission

NEW DELHI: In recognition of the Indian traveler's wanderlust, visa outsourcing major VFS Global is planning to roll out an ATM-like application submission system which will make it unnecessary for a Bareilly, Surat or Indore resident to travel to a consulate to apply for a visa.


The ViKi — a smart application submission system — enables visa applicants and travel agents to submit applications on a self-service basis, without any staff involvement. The company that provides consular and biometric enrolment services to governments across the world has already conducted test runs in Mumbai.

"The ViKi works like an ATM. You can submit your visa or passport application, fees, biometrics and receive papers at home. There is no need to go to a consulate or embassy," Zubin Karkaria, VFS Global CEO said.

The ViKi is equipped with a string of security controls such as 360 degree CCTV monitoring, including automatic intrusion detection and shutdown. It is designed to supports the application submission lifecycle by accepting payments, printing receipts and refunding the balance unspent amount. It is also capable of handling biometric enrolment and digital signatures with a touch screen menu driven, and users can choose their desired function and follow simple on screen instructions.

When asked about the company's roll out plans, Karkaria said," We have already been running a pilot of ViKi in Mumbai, and are in discussions with various client governments for roll-out across India and other countries depending on their requirements and application counts."

The company, part of the Kouni Travel group, plans to use the machine in multiple ways not only as a temporary mobile service in remote locations but also as permanent service to increase the number of application submission locations in a flexible manner. "It can be used within diplomatic missions and within visa application centres to extend submission timings and is expected to enhance convenience for visa applicants. ViKi can be used for visa application submission, or passport application submission, or for any other type of application submission," Karkaria said.

VFS is considered a significant presence in outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions and governments worldwide. It serves 44 governments in 87 countries with 875 visa application centres. Speaking on the future prospect of visa out-sourcing Kuoni Travel Holding CEO Peter Rothwell said,

"About 25% of all visas outsourced today. One third of our profitability comes from VFS and we think this will grow strongly in the coming years."

(The reporter visited VFS Global's visa application centre in Dubai on invitation)