China VAC debuts in ME with Dubai centre

Middle East’s first Chinese Visa Application Center (VAC) opened at the Wafi Mall in Dubai. VFS Global is the provider partnering with the country in this venture to ensure smooth service standards to the locals and residents of the United Arab Emirates.

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The Middle East’s maiden Chinese VAC was inaugurated under the patronage of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Her Excellency Li Lingbing. Chen Xiongfeng, Deputy Director General, Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, Wei Xiaodong, Deputy Director General, Department of Services for the Foreign Ministry, Home and Overseas Offices, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Mona Hassan Al Khumairi, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Dubai, Zubin Karkaria, Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, and Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global graced the occasion by their presence. In her address, Li Lingbing, Consul General, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, said, “The new Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai will ensure visa applicants enjoy a service with higher quality, faster processing, and more convenience. The opening of this center will be another boost for further uplifting our people-to-people exchange, cultural communication and practical cooperation between China and the UAE.”
Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global Group, said, “It is a privilege to launch the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai in partnership with the Government of the People’s Republic of China. With the advancement of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and China, we are confi- dent this new center will be effective in meeting the rising demand of China visas for UAE travellers. For greater convenience to applicants, the new center will provide services during longer operating hours and offer applicants the option of Premium Lounge services in a beautifully designed private lounge that echoes the magnificence of Chinese art and culture.”
The new centre is distinguished by enhanced levels of customer service, efficient visa submission processes, and professionally trained staff fluent in local languages and Mandarin, and an exclusive Premium Lounge for personalised comfort of applicants. Applicants for visas to China are no longer required to apply at the Consulate General of China in Dubai. Also launched at the new Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai is the exclusive ‘China in Luxury’ retail offering, which offers ultra-premium travel experiences to aspiring travellers to China. Through a unique arrangement, VFS Global will offer customised tourism experiences that open up a world of exclusivity and one-of-a-kind travel in China to the residents of the UAE.
Over the next few weeks, China Visa Application Service Centers will be launched in Nigeria, in the cities of Abuja and Lagos, in Algeria in the city of Algiers, and in Lebanon, in the city of Beirut.