VFS denies exploiting visa applicants, says optional services approved by governments 

VFS GLOBAL has denied allegations that it exploits visa applicants through the sale of optional services, insisting that all such offerings are approved and monitored by the governments it represents.

The visa outsourcing company was reacting to a recent investigation by Lighthouse Reports, which claimed that applicants were frequently pushed into purchasing extra services including VIP lounge access, SMS alerts, courier passport returns and penalties for late arrivals.

The investigation relied on internal European Union documents obtained through freedom of information requests, as well as financial records, customer receipts and interviews with current and former staff members. According to the report, optional add-on services had become a significant contributor to VFS Global’s earnings.

It further alleged that some applicants were either misled into paying for these services or had the charges included in their bills without clear consent.

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Responding to the allegations, VFS Global rejected suggestions that its expansion and profitability were tied to unethical practices.

In a statement released on Sunday, the company said its operations are conducted under strict supervision by client governments across multiple jurisdictions.

“VFS Global is a trusted partner to governments worldwide. Given the nature of our work in visa administrative services, we operate under rigorous oversight across all markets, including for governments with some of the most stringent integrity and security requirements,” the company stated.

VFS said it has spent the past 25 years helping governments provide secure and efficient visa processing services, stressing that its activities are regularly subjected to competitive tender processes.

“For a quarter of a century, we have supported client governments in delivering secure and efficient visa services at scale, and our work is subject to regular competitive tender. We do not tolerate fraud, data misuse, or any conduct that falls below the high standards our clients and their applicants expect of us,” the statement added.

Addressing concerns surrounding its optional premium services, the company maintained that the offerings are developed together with client governments and have no influence over visa outcomes.

“Our optional value-added services are developed in consultation with, and approved and monitored by, our client governments.”