Asata and VFS Global have signed an MoU that aims to make visa processes more seamless, secure and supportive for the South African travel trade.
While specific details are still being finalised, VFS Global said it was confident the partnership would offer several practical benefits in the coming months.
In a statement, VFS Global said: “With the MoU in place, we will engage with trade partners more effectively and with greater frequency, including providing training and updated information on the latest developments, which includes timely communication of key mandates from our respective client governments.
The two entities are expected to conduct webinars and knowledge sessions during Asata events to help agents understand how to utilise new tools and optional value-added services.
“This ongoing engagement aims to ensure that travel advisers remain abreast of all relevant developments, including booking of appointments for their clients, thereby enabling them to advise clients confidently. This will be in addition to the proactive communications through our official channels like websites, social media, news outreach and updates in our centres,” said VFS Global.
Asked whether the MoU would introduce new technology or dedicated support for the trade, VFS Global said the organisation continued to invest in AI-powered tools, automated processes, multilingual chatbots and generative AI to enhance the customer experience while safeguarding personal data.
Services include Visa at Your Doorstep, allowing applicants to submit visas from a location of their choice, Premium Lounges for a more personalised application experience, Form-Filling Assistance by trained professionals, and optional extras like courier delivery and real-time SMS updates.
According to VFS Global, dedicated support channels will also be established to help the trade navigate these services more effectively.
