'Next Generation Outsourced Visa-NGOV' agreement signed in Tanzania

According to news reports, the British High Commission in Tanzania has entered into an agreement with a private company and outsourced a major part its work to this company which includes receiving the applications and fees. The actual processing related to the issuance of the visas will be done by the commissioner. The agreement has been titled as ‘Next Generation Outsourced Visa-NGOV’ and it will enable the majority of the populace in Tanzania to apply (i.e. file their applications) and pay their fees online.

Speaking on behalf of the British High Commission, the Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Kashif Chaudry, stated that the next batch of contracts to be outsourced for the UK visa application process would include services such as courier services, biometric enrolment, and facilitating interviews and would also be available next for the people in Tanzania. These new services, Mr. Kashif stated, would be available beginning the next month as the current set of services are set to expire by the end of March this year. He also added that their quality and standard service levels will not be altered or worsen as a consequence of outsourcing to a commercial partner. He stated that instead, Operating outsourced visa Application Centre facilities will allow the high commission more flexibility to deliver better customer services with greater access to value added services such as high priority visas and convenient return courier options.

The new arrangement, Mr. Kashif asserted will allow the Commission to maintain a superlative, highly competitive visa system to support Great Britain in the global race. He also stated that the high commission would continue to keep an ear to what the customers have to say and their real needs and the resultant changes and improvements the commission will make will improve the services by increasing the number of visa application centres which process visas, globally and also by increasing the number of locations and countries where premium-level services are available. He also added that online application processes were part of a growing trend and would aid and assist in streamlining of the process.