Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: Bhubaneswar is set to welcome a fully operational VFS Global Visa Application Centre from April 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the region. The announcement was made through a letter from VFS Global CEO, Zubin Karkaria, to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The centre aims to streamline visa applications for students and business professionals from Odisha seeking higher education and overseas employment.
Initially, the centre will handle visa applications for the United Kingdom and select Schengen countries, with plans to expand to other nations as demand grows. In addition to standard visa services, the centre will provide concierge services, offering assistance with form filling, document guidance, travel insurance, and other visa-related support. This will simplify the process for first-time applicants, students, and families.
The centre’s establishment will also generate employment opportunities for local youth, who will receive training and support for deployment. Odisha residents will no longer need to travel to Kolkata or other cities for visa-related formalities, saving both time and money.
VFS Global has extended an invitation to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to serve as the chief guest at the official inauguration ceremony on April 1, which coincides with the celebration of Utkal Dibas (Odisha Day). This development is expected to enhance Odisha’s international connectivity and mobility, particularly benefiting students and business travelers.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister of External Affairs, and VFS Global CEO Zubin Karkaria for their support in making this initiative a reality. The new visa centre is being hailed as a key step toward enhancing Odisha’s global integration, offering convenience and new opportunities for the local community.
