Latest news with #VFSGlobal
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Schengen Visa for Indian passport holders: Application, cost, timeline, and tips
Are you thinking of taking a trip to Europe? If yes, you must be aware that Indian passport holders who wish to visit any of the 29 Schengen nations—including popular locations like France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—are required to obtain a Schengen visa. If this is your first time applying for this visa, this brief guide will help you get through the application process without any issues. What is a Schengen Visa? It's that visa that allows visitors from outside the EU or EEA to enter and move freely inside the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is best suited for family holidays, business travel, and travel. Types of Schengen Visas for Indians Depending on your travel purpose, you can go for: Tourist Visa: For leisure travel and sightseeing. Business Visa: For attending conferences, meetings, and work-related events. Family Visit Visa: To visit relatives residing in Schengen countries. Transit Visa: For airport layovers within the Schengen Zone Read more: Countries with the letter X in their name Application process Determine the Appropriate Embassy/Consulate: Single-country trip: Apply at that country's embassy or consulate. Multiple-country trip: Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time. Equal stay duration: Apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first. Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment with the respective embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). Prepare required documents - Valid passport (minimum six months validity with at least two blank pages). - Completed visa application form. - Recent passport-size photographs adhering to Schengen guidelines. - Proof of travel itinerary, accommodation, and sufficient financial means. - Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies. Submit Application and Pay Fees: Attend the appointment to submit your application and pay the visa fee. Processing time Processing a visa usually takes 15 to 30 days. Applying at least 45 to 60 days before to your planned trip date will allow for any last-minute cancellations. Validity You can spend around 90 days in any 180-day period with a Schengen visa. To prevent overstaying, and hassle-free travel, make sure your travel schedule complies with this requirement. Read more: Kalimpong over Darjeeling? Here's why it might be a better choice Tips for a successful application Accuracy: Make sure all of the information you supply is correct, current, and consistent throughout all of your documents. Completeness: Submit all required documents to avoid processing delays. Financial proof: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay. Travel insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance meeting Schengen requirements. You can attempt to expedite the processing of your Schengen visa application and confidently complete your journey to Europe by following this recommendations. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
What are the options for visa-free entry for Omanis?
MUSCAT: The summer outbound travel season begins in the Sultanate of Oman, but citizens are required to take note of the distinct visa requirements of each destination. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of four Gulf countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, allowing ordinary passport holders from the four countries to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Foreign Ministry said that the mutual visa exemption agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation will be effective upon completion of the necessary procedures by both parties. According to options include visiting without a prior visa, visa-on-arrival countries and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) countries. Oman passport holders can travel without a visa to the following countries that include Albania, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cook Islands, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyztan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Zambia among others. Omani nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival in the following 34 countries, some of which include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Maldives, Nepal, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Yemen. Oman passport holders are eligible to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before visiting the following 3 countries (Kenya, New Zealand and the United Kingdom). An eTA is a digital travel document required for eligible travellers who are visa-exempt for a specific countr, and it can be obtained online before travel. Omanis are required to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before travelling to 32 countries, including Bhutan, India, South Africa, Taiwan, Uganda and Vietnam. Oman passport holders need to apply for a regular visa before travelling to around 113 countries, including those in the Schengen area. "Visa processing times, fees and required documents vary by the traveller's nationality and the destination country. Marita Bachhav, regional head of VFS Global, which processes visa documents and collects applications for most countries, said that Europe remains a popular destination for travellers from Oman and demand for visas, especially during peak travel seasons like summer holidays, is higher than other times of the year. "Travellers can apply for Schengen visas up to six months before the intended date of travel and we urge applicants to plan and apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any delays," she said. According to GCC or Oman residents can travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Indonesia, Jordan, Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zanzibar, apart from countries within the GCC.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: VFS Global partners with Rayad Group to offer immigration advisory services in US
VFS ETM, a subsidiary of the VFS Global group, has announced a partnership with UAE-headquartered Rayad Group to provide immigration advisory services across five major US cities — Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. According to a press release issued by VFS Global, the collaboration aims to make immigration services more accessible to US residents through designated VFS Global locations. As part of the initiative, the two organisations will set up a Centre of Excellence focused on high-quality immigration advisory services. The centre will leverage advancements in generative AI and draw on top-tier legal expertise to help clients navigate complex immigration procedures and stay compliant with evolving regulations. "As global immigration frameworks become more intricate and regulatory standards rise, this partnership will provide US residents with access to a network of experienced immigration, tax, and legal professionals,' the release stated. These experts will offer customised solutions for a wide range of immigration needs. Founded in 1994, Rayad Group has an extensive global network of associate attorneys in 45 countries and affiliations with 25 Citizenship by Investment Programmes. It also specialises in pathways to permanent residency, Golden Visas, US EB-5 visa programmes, and Green Card compliance. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group, said the alliance comes at a time when immigration considerations for US Green Card holders are evolving. 'The recently announced 'Gold Card' initiative has generated significant interest among ultra-high-net-worth individuals,' he said. 'According to the US Department of Commerce, the programme may offer exemptions from income tax on global earnings for eligible participants, further enhancing its appeal.' Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of Americas at VFS Global, called the partnership a natural extension of both companies' strengths. 'Our collaboration with Rayad Group reflects a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. By combining VFS Global's extensive worldwide operations and recognised leadership in visa services with Rayad Group's deep expertise in immigration and legal consulting, we are well-positioned to provide clients with comprehensive, up-to-date guidance on migration strategies and regulatory compliance,' he said. VFS Global, which partners with 69 client governments, operates over 3,800 application centres in 158 countries and has processed more than 461 million applications since 2001.
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Full details: Inside the world's largest visa application centre in Dubai
Image credit: Supplied VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services that enable secure global mobility for governments and citizens, has announced the launch of its flagship visa application centre in Dubai's Wafi City. This marks the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the VFS Global Group. 'This milestone is more than just an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock opportunities, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all critical components of our strategy to position Dubai as the world's most connected and future-ready city,' said Helal Saeed Almarri. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri commented, 'Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the UAE's journey of excellence, particularly for Dubai, with the opening of the world's largest Visa Application Centre. Located in the heart of a city that constantly redefines innovation, this achievement reflects our wise leadership's directives to reinforce the UAE's position as a global hub for smart services and to set a benchmark in efficient, high-quality government services. Continuous development is not optional — it is a commitment to a more prosperous future.' Zubin Karkaria added, 'Operating in the UAE since 2004, our journey has been shaped by an unwavering commitment and a strong connection with this dynamic nation and its visionary leadership. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the UAE's spectacular growth into a global hub for business, innovation, and technology. Today, we are proud to launch the world's largest visa application centre, serving over 200 nationalities in this Year of Community. By collaborating with Emirati entrepreneurs and artists, the centre embodies the multicultural fabric of a country we are proud to call our Global Headquarters.' A next-gen experience for tomorrow's travellers Built to address rising outbound travel and growing expectations around security, accessibility, and convenience, the state-of-the-art centre in Dubai sets a new global standard. Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, it can handle up to 10,000 visa applications daily — the highest capacity at any single location. The facility is supported by a team of over 400 trained professionals from more than 25 nationalities. Key features of the centre include: Tech-enabled self-service kiosks, secure lockers, photo booths, and photocopy stations for last-minute needs Touchscreen info kiosks, QR code-based check-ins, and automated feedback at each visa desk Over 400 on-site staff equipped with tablets, along with trained volunteers to assist with forms and kiosks Airport-style navigation with clear signage, spacious waiting areas, and a buggy service for easy movement Dedicated prayer rooms, kids' play areas, and multiple convenience zones to enhance the customer experience ESG-compliant design, with energy-efficient systems and fast-track lanes for seniors, families, and persons with disabilities With rising outbound travel from the UAE, personalised services like the Premium Lounge have become increasingly popular. Of the over 200 submission counters, 79 are exclusively designated as Premium Lounges. The centre is also one of the few worldwide — and one of only two in the UAE — to offer the Platinum Lounge, featuring a chauffeur service, end-to-end application support, and a calm, modern environment. At the core: AI and innovation From real-time document validation to advanced biometrics, the on-site AI Innovation Hub enables faster, more secure processing. Supporting this are a Digitisation Centre that transforms paper documents into secure digital records and a Global Resilience Center (GRC) that ensures 24/7 operational uptime, data security, and continuity for partner governments. VFS Global has embedded technology throughout the applicant journey to revolutionise the visa submission process. Visitors use QR code-based e-tokens for check-in, guided by a smart queue management system that includes electronic displays and mobile updates to reduce wait times and manage applicant flow — even during peak hours. By integrating cutting-edge innovation with human expertise, the centre delivers a visa application experience that is seamless, transparent, and efficient. A vision aligned with the UAE's future The launch of the world's largest Visa Application Centre in Dubai reinforces VFS Global's commitment to the UAE Government's 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Aligned with the Year of Community 2025, the centre not only sets a new global benchmark in service excellence but also celebrates Dubai's vibrant communities through Emirati cultural installations. This flagship facility represents a new model — one that blends breakthrough technology with local values to ensure a future of secure, connected, and community-driven travel. VFS Global has been associated with the UAE since 2002 as the official visa service provider for Emirates Airlines passengers and has maintained its global headquarters in Dubai since 2013.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Infibeam Avenues Ltd (BOM:539807) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth and ...
Consolidated Gross Revenue: INR3,993 crore for FY25. Net Revenue: INR526 crore for FY25. Profit After Tax: INR210 crore for FY25, marking a 42% year-over-year growth. Rights Issue Approval: Up to INR700 crore to fuel growth initiatives. Merchant Base: Over 1.2 million merchants onboarded by Q4 FY25. Q4 Gross Revenue: INR1,160 crore, up from INR716 crore in Q4 FY24. Q4 Net Revenue: INR135 crore, a 28% year-over-year increase. Net Take Rate: Improved from 9.2 basis points in Q4 FY24 to 10.6 basis points in Q4 FY25. Q4 EBITDA: INR78 crore, a 25% increase from the previous year. Q4 Profit After Tax: INR50 crore, a 53% year-over-year increase. Full Year EBITDA: INR312 crore for FY25, a 23% increase from the previous year. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with BOM:539807. Release Date: May 26, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Infibeam Avenues Ltd (BOM:539807) achieved its financial guidance for FY25, with consolidated gross revenue reaching INR3,993 crore, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The company reported a 42% year-over-year growth in profit after tax, reaching INR210 crore. Infibeam Avenues Ltd is expanding its international presence, particularly in the GCC region, with key clients like VFS Global, Nissan, and Infinity in Saudi Arabia. The company is investing in AI and digital infrastructure, launching initiatives like Infibeam Quantum Edge and to enhance its technological capabilities. Infibeam Avenues Ltd is rolling out innovative products like the CCAvenue SoundBox and RediffPay, aiming to revolutionize merchant payments and expand into consumer-facing digital payment sectors. Despite the growth, the company's return on equity is relatively low at 4%, which may concern shareholders. The expansion into international markets, while promising, involves significant regulatory and compliance challenges, particularly in the GCC region. The company's ambitious AI and digital infrastructure projects require substantial capital investment, with plans to raise up to INR700 crore through a rights issue. There is intense competition in the Indian digital payment space, which could impact Infibeam Avenues Ltd's market share and profitability. The company's strategy to not extend loans and credits to merchants may limit its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for credit solutions in the digital payment ecosystem. Q: Can you explain the pricing model for Infibeam Quantum Edge and Is it subscription-based, consumption-based, or bundled with fintech services? Where do you see the biggest early monetization opportunities? A: Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, explained that the monetization model for Infibeam Quantum Edge and includes both enterprise and consumer models. The enterprise model involves a subscription-based approach, while the consumer model offers a certain number of free queries, after which charges apply. The focus is on developing agentic AI frameworks that allow developers to create and deploy AI agents, with monetization occurring when consumers or enterprises pay for these services. Q: Are there plans to enable credit services for merchants on your platform, and what infrastructure would be required for this? A: Vishal Mehta stated that Infibeam currently offers express settlement services, allowing merchants to receive payments on the same day instead of after three days. However, they do not plan to extend loans or credits directly to merchants. Instead, they aim to enable financial services through RediffPay, leveraging their existing merchant ecosystem and upcoming services. Q: What is the rationale behind the planned rights issue, given the company's current cash position? A: Vishal Mehta explained that the rights issue aims to build AI capabilities and position Infibeam as an AI-first fintech infrastructure provider. The company plans to invest in CapEx, including data center infrastructure, to support AI and fintech initiatives. The rights issue will partially fund these investments, with the remainder coming from internal accruals. Q: How does Infibeam plan to monetize the Rediff ecosystem, and when can we expect this to start? A: Vishal Mehta and Vishwas Patel highlighted that RediffPay will be a key strategy for consumer engagement, leveraging Rediff's existing user base. Monetization will occur through transaction-based revenues from UPI services, bill payments, and cross-selling financial services. They expect to start monetizing the Rediff ecosystem by the end of the next quarter. Q: What is the expected payback period for international infrastructure investments, particularly in Saudi Arabia? A: Vishal Mehta indicated that the expected payback period for international infrastructure investments is between one to three years. The company has invested in localization and compliance to support growth in the Middle East, with existing clients in India facilitating expansion in Saudi Arabia. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
