Dubai, UAE, February 28, 2017:  In a move to bring enhanced visa application services to the residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the Embassy of South Africa launched a South Africa Visa Application Centre in Dubai. Services at the centre commenced on 01 February 2017.

The centre was officially inaugurated by H.E. Mr. MK Lekgoro, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United Arab Emirates, at a ceremony held on 28 February 2017. The conveniently located centre is situated at WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai. 

With South Africa being a popular travel destination for business and leisure travellers the world over, the streamlined and professional services offered at new centre aims at providing residents of the UAE elevated levels of customer service when applying for their visas. Well-trained staff with local language capabilities deliver personalised attention to applicants for a smoother and more convenient application experience.

Speaking at the inauguration, H.E. Mr. MK Lekgoro, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United Arab Emirates, said, “It is with great pleasure that I formally inaugurate the South African Visa Application Centre in Dubai, which finally formalises our long standing relationship. This will add to the streamlining of much valued services to the public who we are sure will receive the best services in a professional manner.” 

Added Mr. Vinay Malhotra, COO – Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global, “We at VFS Global are committed to providing world-class visa application services on behalf of our esteemed client government, the Government of South Africa, to the residents of the UAE. We are confident that the newly launched centre in Dubai will add to the overall experience of travelling to the vibrant country of South Africa and are privileged to be a part of this new initiative.”

VFS Global has partnered with the Government of South Africa in 2010, and currently serves the client in 18 countries from global network of 43 visa application centres. In the UAE, the company presently serves a total of 26 client governments.

The key features of the centres include:

• Convenient and centrally accessed location
• Professional staff with local language capability 
• Well-appointed centre for enhanced comfort to applicants
• Automated Queue Management System for smooth flow of applicants 
• Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, check-list and applicable fees 
• 100% secure handling of passports, documents and personal information
• Door-step delivery of passports
• Premium Lounge for personalised and comfortable service

South Africa Visa Application Centre 
Address: WAFI Mall, Level 3, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai - 114100, UAE
Helpline: +971 4205 5719 Email: info.zauae@vfshelpline.com  
Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/UAE/  
Business hours: 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs (Sunday to Thursday)
Submission Timings: 09:00 hrs – 15:00 hrs | Sunday - Thursday (except holidays as declared by the South African Consulate General in Dubai UAE)
Passport Collection: 15:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs | Sunday - Thursday (except holidays as declared by the South African Consulate General in Dubai UAE)

*VFS Global will be responsible only for accepting applications for the South African Consulate General in Dubai, UAE. All applications submitted will continue to be assessed and processed by the South African Consulate General in Dubai, UAE. Timelines for turnaround of visas are as per the discretion of the Consulate General.