VFS Global, a leader in outsourcing and technology services for governments and diplomatic missions, has announced a 35% increase in visa applications processed globally, largely fueled by the resurgence of tourism activities.
In its Integrated Sustainability Report for 2023, the company highlighted that markets in the Middle East, the EU, and Africa—particularly its operations in Kenya—played a significant role in this growth. Last year, VFS Global secured seven global contracts with the governments of the UK, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria.
This growth reflects improved efficiency and capacity in a year when tourism arrivals in Kenya surged by 31.5%. The country welcomed 1,951,185 international visitors in 2023, up from 1,483,752 in 2022, marking a remarkable recovery that reached 95.24% of 2019 levels—exceeding the global average of 88%.
This influx generated inbound tourism earnings of KSh 353 billion, a 31.5% increase according to the Tourism Sector Performance Report 2023.
VFS Global’s sustainability report also noted significant contributions to job creation, with 10,976 individuals employed worldwide in 2023. Regional employment figures include 1,429 in the Middle East and North Africa, 686 in Africa, 403 in the Americas, 1,376 in the Asia-Pacific, 1,295 in Europe and CIS countries, and 3,968 in South Asia.
The company has prioritized gender diversity, with women constituting 53% of new hires, maintaining a balanced gender ratio of 54% women to 46% men.
On the environmental front, VFS Global achieved a 72% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2022 and increased its investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) by 60%, positively impacting various community programs.
CEO Zubin Karkaria emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, stating, “As a responsible corporate citizen, VFS Global continues to integrate sustainability into our business operations, organizational culture, and strategic goals. Our ability to make a measurable difference every year sets us apart and underscores our commitment to enhancing value for all stakeholders in an efficient, secure, and sustainable manner.”
The global travel industry experienced a robust recovery in 2023 as it rebounded from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
