BY SACHIN KUMAR
DOHA: Visitors from Qatar to Canada are likely to double in a year, with the opening of Canada Visa Application Centre in Doha.
Until now people wishing to visit Canada were required to go to Abu Dhabi for visa-related services. About 3,000 people go to Canada in a year on visitor visa, study and work permits.
VFS Global, the world largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, in partnership with Mannai Corporation yesterday announced the opening of the centre at Jaidah Square.
It was inaugurated by Anne-Marie Spain, Counsellor (Management) and Consul at the Canadian embassy.
“The Opening of the centre is good news for people in Qatar because until now they had to go to Abu Dhabi for visa services. We expect the number of visitors to double in a year,” Farukh Sardar, General Manager, Mannai Air Travel, told this daily.
“Most visitors from Qatar go on tourist visa,” he added.
The centre will provide exclusive service for the government of Canada and is authorised to accept applications in all temporary resident categories (visitor visas, study and work permits) and travel document applications from Canadian permanent residents in Qatar.
“The centre is authorised to provide administrative support services, such as the collection of visa applications, and return of passports in sealed decision envelopes to applicants.
“It can also assist in scheduling interviews on behalf of the Canadian visa office,” said Ajit Alexander, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa, VFS GCC.
VFS Global, as part of a contract awarded by Canada, will provide services to applicants wishing to travel to the country. It will establish a worldwide network of up to 125 such centres.
“Since 2006, VFS Global has been associated with Mannai Corporation and operating visa application services and centres for Australia, Bulgaria and the UK in Doha,” said Alexander.
Officials said the decision to issue or refuse a visa is made by immigration officers of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, in accordance with rules and guidelines.
The centre has no role or influence over the outcome of an application and will not offer evaluative advice.
The Peninsula
