German envoy opens new visa facility

German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel yesterday formally inaugurated the visa application centre in Doha which will process visa applications for Qatari citizens and residents applying for Schengen visa to Germany as well as to Austria, Finland, Norway and Slovenia.The new centre is being operated by VFS Global, a leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions worldwide.Speaking at the official opening, the German ambassador said: “The new centre will provide a seamless experience to applicants and in general will boost the attraction of Germany as a business and tourist travel destination for Qatari citizens and residents alike.”The VFS Global German Visa Application Centre in Doha is located at Level 1, Abdul Jaleel Business Center, Airport Road, Al Matar Street, Doha.Visa applicants can direct their queries and appointment requests to the call centre number +97444069001 or communicate with the centre at info.germanyqatar@vfshelpline.com. Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO for Middle East, South Asia & China, VFS Global, said: “The centre started accepting visa applications since mid-February and we have been able to delight our customers with ease of service and professionalism.”VFS Global expects to handle approximately 200,000 visa applications including collecting biometric data across 10 countries in the Middle East mandated under a contract with Germany.Across the world, VFS Global already operates Visa Application Centers for Germany in nine countries.