Amid changing geopolitical conditions and evolving immigration policies worldwide, concerns over visa approvals have increased among travellers. However, genuine applicants with valid reasons to travel should not feel discouraged, according to Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, VFS Global.
Speaking in an interview with India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay, Talwar said that visa-related anxiety is a global phenomenon and is not limited to any particular country or region.
“People applying for visas are people who need visas. Whether it is India, Europe, or the Middle East, the uncertainty and anxiety around the process remain largely the same,” she said.
Explaining the reason behind this concern, Talwar noted that applicants understand that visa approval is not guaranteed. She highlighted that governments consider visas a privilege rather than an entitlement, which naturally creates apprehension among travellers who fear rejection.
She further stated that recent geopolitical developments, discussions around migration, and changing policies in several countries have contributed to increased uncertainty among visa applicants.
“Migration has become a larger political issue in many countries, and naturally, this has increased anxiety among travellers,” Talwar observed.
However, she assured that people travelling with genuine purposes should not be overly concerned. According to her, applicants who have valid reasons to visit a country and meet the required criteria should approach the process with confidence.
Talwar also mentioned that the visa application surge witnessed after the Covid-19 pandemic has now stabilised. The earlier challenges related to appointment availability and processing delays have significantly reduced.
She said India’s visa application numbers have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, while processing capacity and infrastructure have improved considerably.
VFS Global has also expanded its operational capacity and streamlined backend processes to support embassies in handling growing demand efficiently. Talwar added that India continues to remain one of the strongest outbound travel markets, with the number of international travellers expected to rise further in the coming years.
“India is still a very robust outbound market. People will continue to travel, and the numbers will keep increasing,” she said.
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