VFS Global enjoys a near monopoly on outsourced visa processing, including for travel to most European countries.
By MARGOT GIBBS, MAY BULMAN and SARASVATI THUPPADOLLA
Illustration by Johan Keslassy for POLITICO
Storing a backpack for €2.50, receiving an SMS notification for €3.50, scanning application materials for €150, “document verification” for €220 — for visa applicants trying to reach Europe, extra charges can appear at almost every step of the process, levied by a private company they have no choice but to use.
Headquartered in Dubai and majority-owned by private equity firm Blackstone, VFS Global enjoys a near monopoly on outsourced visa processing globally, including for travel to most European countries.
