Two New Sweden Visa Application Centres open in the UAE

The Embassy of Sweden in Abu Dhabi has outsourced its visa application process to VFS Global. People who want to apply for Schengen visas to Sweden can now do this at two new centres managed by VFS Global – one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai. While VFS Global will accept visa applications, the Embassy will continue to make the assessment and decisions regarding all visas. The new Visa application centres are located at Wafi Mall, Level 2 in Dubai and Shining Tower, Level 25, in Abu Dhabi.

The Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE, Mr Jan Thesleff, along with Mr Ajit Alexander, COO – Middle East and Africa, VFS Global, today inaugurated the Sweden Visa Application Centre at the Joint Visa Application Centre in Dubai. This will be followed by a launch of Visa operations in Abu Dhabi 15 January 2015.

While inaugurating the centre, Ambassador Jan Thesleff said, “I am delighted to be able to offer a substantially increased service-level for Sweden visa applicants. VFS Global has presence both in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai and as visa applicants – as from today – can turn to them to apply, we are getting closer to our customers and hopefully also shortening handling times. VFS Global handles applications for Sweden visa applicants in many places around the world and I am confident that doing so in the UAE will further increase our exchange with this important country.”

Mr Ajit Alexander, COO Middle East and Africa, VFS Global commented, “It is an honour and our privilege to support the initiative of the Embassy of Sweden in Abu Dhabi to provide better service and shorten the handling time for Schengen visa applications. This launch of Sweden visa application process in Dubai will offer a convenient visa application submission experience to the residents in the country. We are committed to delivering a professional and high-quality service to all applicants and travel agents in the UAE.VFS Global started operations for the Government of Sweden in 2008, and now serves the client in 23 countries from 58 Visa Application Centers globally.”

The Centre in Dubai will accept applications for visas to Sweden from applicants and travel agents residing in the UAE. The service would attract a nominal service fee, payable at the Centre at the time of submitting applications. The Centre will remain open from 0900hrs to 1700hrs for enhanced convenience to applicants and travel agents. The key features of the Centre facility include:

• Priority facilitation for disabled, senior applicants and pregnant women
• Premium Lounge for comfortable and personalised service
• Professional and responsive staff with local language capability dedicated to handle visa queries and applications

• Automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants, providing better crowd management
• Dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements, check-list and applicable fees
• Dedicated call centres and email support to answer queries and status of application
• 100% secure handling of passports, documents and personal information
• In-VAC feedback kiosks and forms, and online feedback services  for applicants to share their recommendations and feedback about the services
• SMS alerts for visa status update
• Door-step delivery of passports
• Dedicated visa enquiry desks in English and Arabic

Sweden Visa Application Centres:

Dubai – Address: WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE

Abu Dhabi – Address: Shining Tower, Level 25 in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Business Hours: 0900hrs to 1700hrs from – Sunday to Thursday

Email: info.swedenuae@vfshelpline.com   Website: https://www.vfsglobal.se/UAE/

Acceptance of Applications (all applicants): 0900hrs to 1500hrs from Sunday to Thursday (Except Holidays as declared by the Embassy of Sweden, Abu Dhabi)

Return delivery of Applications: 0900hrs to 1700hrs from Sunday to Thursday (Except Holidays as declared by the Embassy of Sweden, Abu Dhabi)

Additional SMS/Courier/Premium Lounge charges as applicable to be borne by the applicant.

VFS Global will be responsible only for accepting and processing applications for the Embassy of Sweden, Abu Dhabi.  Timelines for turnaround of visas are as per the discretion of the authorities.

About VFS Global

VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. With 1465 Application Centres and operations in 118 countries across five continents, VFS Global serves the interests of 45 client governments. The company has successfully processed over 92 million applications since its inception in 2001. VFS Global’s worldwide operations are certified ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management System, ISO 27001:2005 for Information Security Management System and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management System by TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading external and independent certification bodies.

For more information:www.vfsglobal.com