The UKBA announced today that VFS Global will be taking over the major majority of commercial partnership. Increasing their portfolio to include America and Asia. Interestingly enough, Africa is not included in their new growth.
An internationally established company, that specialises in having first world countries outsource work to third world countries, will be taking over the Africa continent as well as the Euro-Mediterian area. Teleperformance LTD is expected to begin their operations in April 2014.
Commercial partners such as VFS Global and Teleperformance are appointed to handle the front of house when it comes to UK visa applications. Unlike first world USA (that has trained officials handling face to face interviews), first world UK finds that their complicated visa legislation leaves applicants with more questions and confusion. To avoid having to have trained personal explaining the legislation, the Brits have appointed commercial partners to handle the front of house.
The service delivery on a national scale is Teleperformances predictable challenge but I look forward to seeing what this change will bring.
More details regarding the change in commercial partners can be found on this UKBA link.