Latest news with #GenAI-Powered


Arabian Business
27-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
VFS Global launches GenAI-powered chatbot to serve UK visa applicants in 141 nations
Promising to enhance customer support for travellers to the United Kingdom, Dubai-headquartered VFS Global has launched a new Generative AI-powered chatbot that is now available to UK visa applicants in 141 countries, including the GCC countries. Among the key features of the GenAI-Powered chatbot, apart from its 24×7 availability, are human-like interactions where it delivers responses that closely mimic human conversation, enhancing user engagement. It is focussed solely on the customers' needs and the information provided is highly accurate and relevant and follows ethical AI practices, which minimises biases and ensures fair and consistent responses. AI chatbot revolutionises visa support Privacy is a big area of focus for VFS Global and the process detects and masks any Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which means no sensitive data is stored. It has secured AI hosting, and the Large Language Model (LLM) is deployed in a safe environment to prevent data sharing with external platforms. Developed by VFS Global's AI team, also based in Dubai, the AI-powered chatbot addresses the increasing demand for efficient customer support, allowing users to easily access the information needed to navigate the application process. The AI-powered chatbot not only utilises advanced Generative AI technology to offer human-like, conversational support, but does so through both voice and text commands, providing instant, accurate, and accessible information for UK-bound customers. Jen Vidler, Deputy Director, Cross Cutting Service Operations, Visa, Status and Information Services, Customer Services Group, UK Visas and Immigration, said: 'The rollout of VFS Global's AI-powered chatbot demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all customers. Providing instant access to accurate information about the visa application process will ensure we continue to offer the best service to our customers.' A dedicated team of data scientists and AI specialists, including those based in Mumbai and Berlin, collaborated on the project, leveraging in-house expertise to uphold the highest quality and security standards. VFS Global partnered with the 'Responsible AI Institute' to integrate ethical considerations and bias mitigation into the development process. The project utilises proprietary AI platforms, including their AI Foundation Model and Super Alpha Application Platform, both equipped with built-in guardrails to ensure data safety, security, and regulatory compliance. Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, added: 'Technology and innovation have always been the cornerstones of our operations at VFS Global, and we are pleased to launch this AI-powered information solution which will significantly enhance the visa application experience for our customers travelling to the UK from across the globe. 'We are developing a range of AI and digital technology products to drive the next transformation in visa and consular services for our client governments and customers. We remain deeply committed to the responsible development of AI in accordance with the policies of our client governments.' VFS Global serves as a partner to 68 client governments and operates over 3,500 Application Centres in 153 countries. The company has processed more than 305 million applications since 2001.


Khaleej Times
26-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
VFS Global pioneers AI and digital innovation; launches AI-powered chatbot for UK visa customers
VFS Global has recently launched a new Generative AI-powered chatbot to enhance customer support for travellers to the UK. The AI-Powered Chatbot not only utilises advanced Generative AI technology to offer human-like, conversational support, but does so through both voice and text commands, providing instant, accurate, and accessible information for customers travelling to the UK. Developed by VFS Global's AI team, headquartered in Dubai, the AI-Powered Chatbot addresses the increasing demand for efficient customer support, allowing users to easily access the information needed to navigate the application process. Jen Vidler, deputy director, cross cutting service operations, visa, status and information services, Customer Services Group, UK Visas and Immigration, said, "The rollout of VFS Global's AI-powered chatbot demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all customers. Providing instant access to accurate information about the visa application process will ensure we continue to offer the best service to our customers." Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO, VFS Global, added: "Technology and innovation have always been the cornerstones of our operations at VFS Global, and we are pleased to launch this AI-powered information solution which will significantly enhance the visa application experience for our customers travelling to the UK from across the globe. We are developing a range of AI and digital technology driven products to drive the next transformation in visa and consular services for our Client Governments and customers. We remain deeply committed to the responsible development of AI in accordance with the policies and requirements of our client governments." The AI-Powered chatbot was developed using advanced Generative AI technologies, each trained exclusively on publicly available data from their respective VFS Global Country-to-UK websites. Built and hosted entirely on VFS Global's secure IT infrastructure, the AI models adhere to rigorous data privacy and security standards. A dedicated team of data scientists and AI specialists collaborated on the project, leveraging in-house expertise to uphold the highest quality and security standards, with VFS Global's AI centres based in Dubai (the headquarters for AI and Digital Operations), Mumbai, and Berlin. Ethical AI practices were a key focus, with VFS Global partnering with the 'Responsible AI Institute' to integrate ethical considerations and bias mitigation into the development process. Additionally, the project utilised proprietary AI platforms, including our AI Foundation Model and Super Alpha Application Platform, both equipped with built-in guardrails to ensure data safety, security, and regulatory compliance. Key features of the GenAI-Powered chatbot


TECHx
25-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
VFS Global Launches AI-Powered Chatbot - TECHx Media VFS Global Launches AI-Powered Chatbot
VFS Global has unveiled a new AI-powered chatbot designed to improve customer support for travelers heading to the UK. Leveraging advanced Generative AI technology, this chatbot offers both voice and text-based conversational support, providing travelers with instant, accurate, and accessible information. Developed by VFS Global's AI team based in Dubai, the chatbot addresses the growing need for efficient customer support. It allows users to easily navigate the visa application process and obtain essential information. Jen Vidler, Deputy Director of UK Visas and Immigration, said, 'The rollout of VFS Global's AI-powered chatbot demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient, and meet customer needs. Instant access to accurate information will enhance the visa application process.' Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO of VFS Global, emphasized the company's focus on technology and innovation. 'We're excited to launch this AI-driven solution, enhancing the visa application experience for our customers globally. Our commitment to the responsible development of AI is integral to the transformation of visa and consular services.' The AI chatbot uses Generative AI models trained exclusively on publicly available data from VFS Global's UK-specific websites. Hosted on VFS Global's secure IT infrastructure, the system adheres to strict privacy and security protocols. VFS Global's AI team in Dubai, Mumbai, and Berlin worked closely to ensure the highest standards of data protection. Ethical AI practices were prioritized, with collaboration from the Responsible AI Institute to ensure fair and unbiased responses. Proprietary AI platforms, including the AI Foundation Model and Super Alpha Application Platform, ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard data privacy. Key Features of the GenAI-Powered Chatbot: Human-like interactions: Mimics natural conversation for better engagement. Mimics natural conversation for better engagement. Country-specific information: Provides accurate, relevant details tailored to users' needs. Provides accurate, relevant details tailored to users' needs. Data masking and PII detection: Prevents storage of sensitive personal information. Prevents storage of sensitive personal information. Secure AI hosting: Safeguards data by ensuring no external data sharing. Safeguards data by ensuring no external data sharing. Ethical AI practices: Ensures fairness and minimizes bias. Ensures fairness and minimizes bias. 24/7 availability: Users can access assistance at any time. Users can access assistance at any time. User feedback mechanism: Continuously refines chatbot responses based on user input. VFS Global's new AI-powered chatbot is set to revolutionize the way travelers interact with visa services, offering them a smoother, more efficient application experience.