All Hands On Deck: VFS Global Takes Visa Applications Offshore For Maritime Industries

More shipping companies and firms employing offshore workers are using a unique ‘visa on the seas’ service for arranging the documentation required for employees working in territorial waters or foreign ports, according to new figures from VFS Global, the leading company that processes visa applications on behalf of 71 governments.

Under international rules such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), shipowners bear the responsibility for visas, transit documents and right-to-work permissions when their international crew members join or leave ships in foreign ports or territorial waters.

However, seafarers and offshore workers often face practical difficulties leaving their vessel to travel ashore to submit their documents and biometric details, such as photos and fingerprints.

Since 2019, VFS Global has offered a ‘Visa at your Doorstep’ (VAYD) service where applicants can complete their entire visa application process including document submission, form checking and biometric enrolment from their home, office or other preferred location without visiting a physical visa application centre. The service was initially introduced on land to handle the likes of short-notice business applications.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →