Countries / Territories
Related offices
Related offices
South Africa/India
Effective immediately, South African visa applicants in India must submit their applications to a VFS office in India instead of to an Indian consular post. VFS assists consular posts in high-volume cities to process visa applications.
Application processes and processing times may change as a result of this mandatory requirement. For example, third parties can still submit applications on behalf of applicants but an in-person submission requirement may be implemented soon.
The VFS visa application process and documentary requirements are available on the VFS website.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
South African consular posts in India have strict document requirements, make discretionary decisions and often request additional documentation that is not prescribed by law. Therefore, it may be possible that inquiries from consular posts for VFS-submitted applications may increase.
Fragomen Africa will monitor the developments and provide updates as the situation develops.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Countries / Territories
Related offices
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.
Blog post
Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.
Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.
Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.
Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.
Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.
Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.
Video
In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.
Blog post
Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.
Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.
Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.
Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.
Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.
Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.