VFS Global opens up three new SA centres for Irish visas

VFS Global deals with Irish visas

VFS Global has been appointed the official partner in South Africa and Botswana to provide visas those looking to travel to Ireland.

This comes after a new decision by the Irish Department of Justice which will now see South Africans and Botswana nationals needing to apply for a visa in order to visit the Emerald Isle.

According to Travel News, the visa company said that services had already commenced from 10 July at functioning centres in three cities in South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.  

“The opening of three new centres in key locations is part of VFS Global’s plans to enhance cooperation with the Government of Ireland and offer a convenient and secure visa application platform to outbound travellers from South Africa and Botswana and efficiently cater to the growing travel needs from both countries.” Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head of VFS Global Sub Saharan Africa, said as per Travel News.

WHY THE NEED FOR IRISH VISAS?

According to the Minister for Justice of Ireland, Helen McEntee, there has been a significant number of International Protection applications received from nationals of Botswana and South Africa in recent years. 

“This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the Schengen Area in respect of both of these countries, and into line with the UK in respect of South Africa,” McEntee said.

“Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard to the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place whilst also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for the purposes of a visit, to work, to study, or to join family members.” she added.

Up until now, travellers from South Africa and Botswana have not needed visas to enter Ireland as both have been designated as ‘safe countries of origin’ for International Protection purposes.