The Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi has signed an agreement with its commercial partner, VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist, for diplomatic missions and governments, as per a release. With this agreement, Belgium has extended its visa application centre services to Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune in India. With the existing counters in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Belgium will be present in nine visa application centres operated by VFS Global. This is a strategic move aimed at offering new services, facilities and benefits to visa applicants, and boost tourism, trade and investments, and bilateral ties with India.
The first two official centres opened today in Chennai in the presence of Karl Van den Bossche, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai. On May 6, 2013 a centre will open in Chandigarh in the presence of Pierre Vaesen, Ambassador of Belgium in New Delhi.
Features of the new centres include automated queue governance, dedicated counters for applicants and travel agents/ tour operators, dedicated website for easy access to information including visa categories, requirements and check-list, applicable fees and application status, and tracking of application status.