IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Indian government and VFS Global have opened visa application centers in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

What does the change mean? South African residents can now apply in person for Indian visas and permits at the new applications centers.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: All Indian visas and permits.
  • Who is affected: South African residents seeking Indian visas, permits, passports or certain other consular services.
  • Impact on processing times: The centers offer longer hours than consulates and may streamline application processes.

Background: VFS Global operates 43 visa application centers in 10 countries on behalf of the Indian government, but the South African centers will be the first in Africa. They will be located in:

  • Johannesburg: Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre, 2nd floor, Harrow Court 1, Isle of Houghton Office Park, Boundary Rd, Park Town, Johannesburg, 2198.
  • Cape Town: Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre, 01st Floor, 47 Strand Street, Cape Town.
  • Durban: Indian Visa and Consular Application Centre, Office 401, 4th Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban.

VFS Global said in a statement that India “has become a popular destination amongst residents of South Africa, not just for commonly sought categories like business, tourism, and education, but also for medical treatment, journalism or research.”

BAL Analysis: South African residents should take note of the new application centers, which are accepting applications on behalf of the Indian government in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The visa application centers should ease processing of Indian visas and permits.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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