Upcoming Changes to UK Visa Application Centres

Significant changes are already underway regarding the operation of UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide, further transitions will occur between 5 November 2024 and 19 November 2024.

Changes to External VAC Operations

A substantial reorganisation of VAC service provision is being implemented between September 2024 and January 2025. TLScontact services are being transferred to VFS Global across multiple regions:

Completed Transitions

• Belgium: Transferred 3 September 2024
• African Region – Phase One (22 October 2024):
  • Algeria
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia

Upcoming Transitions – November

5 November 2024

• Middle East and Central Asia:
  • Cyprus (North)
  • France
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lebanon
  • Occupied Palestinian Territories
  • Tajikistan
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan

19 November 2024

• African Region – Phase Two:
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Cameroon
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Tanzania
  • Turkmenistan
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Practical Implications for Applicants

Current Applications

• Existing appointments with TLScontact remain valid
• Supporting documents not yet uploaded will require assisted scanning service
• Location details should be verified via appointment confirmation email

Communication Protocols

• Applicants will receive notifications from both service providers
• Monitor your email accounts, including spam folders
• Verify authenticity of communications (legitimate emails end in @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com)

UK-Based Applications

The UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) transferred from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024.

This internal transition:

• Does not affect application decisions
• Maintains current processing times
• Preserves appointment availability
• Requires no action from applicants

Key Implications

Our immigration team advises:

1. Verify application centre locations before travel
2. Retain all communication from both service providers
3. Budget for assisted scanning services where required
4. Allow additional time for appointment booking during transition periods

Professional Support

Axis Solicitors’ immigration team offers some extended legal services throughout these transitions.

The most relevant includes:

• Strategic application timing
• Documentation preparation
• Application management
• Application centre liaison
• Case management

Stay Informed

Follow us on social media, to maintain regular updates on topics related to UK Immigration in 2024.

For the latest information:

• Contact our immigration team

For new clients we offer a first free initial assessment, to determine how we can assist you and what your options are.