SA outsources visa service
Nairobians seeking to visit South Africa will now be handled by an outsourced company rather than the embassy.
VFS Global (which also handles UK applications) and the country’s Department of Home Affairs of South Africa will run the Visa Application centre in Nairobi from December 16.
All permits including work, study and relative permits will be dealt with at the South African High Commission premises.
The embassy said visas will be processed strictly in five business days. The last visa application at the Lenana Road embassy will be December 13, 2013.
Visa fees will remain constant by VFS Global fees will be charged, said a statement.
“The new VFS Global South African Visa Application Centre will have a cash receiving desk at their facility where fees can be paid directly. Moreover, the Visa Application Centre incorporates value adding features including a VIP lounge and photocopying facilities at an additional cost,” said the High Commission.
South African citizens will still be served at the High Commission.