VFS Global turns to SAP for AI-powered mobility solutions

VFS Global will use SAP software to develop digital solutions for AI-powered cross-border mobility and citizen services.

VFS Global, which provides visa, consular, and technology services to governments and diplomatic missions, has chosen SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and several other SAP solutions as part of its plan to accelerate its digital innovation and meet the evolving requirements of governments and travellers.

The move comes as governments increase the adoption of digital services and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency and security of cross-border mobility and citizen services. The partnership aims to support governments as they respond to the complex and changing needs of travellers and citizens.

VFS Global's founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zubin Karkaria, commented on the collaboration: "We take great pride in partnering with SAP as a leading and trusted technology and AI company.

By combining our deep expertise in visa, consular and citizen services with SAP's world-class solutions, we empower governments to enhance efficiency, strengthen security and enable seamless mobility for millions of travelers around the world."

Christian Klein, Chief Executive Officer of SAP SE, said, "With SAP solutions at its core, VFS will be able to leverage the latest innovations to become an even stronger partner for governments, travelers and citizens worldwide."

As part of its strategy, VFS Global is also adopting SAP Business Technology Platform and SAP Business Data Cloud. These platforms will support VFS Global in delivering AI-powered services and advancing operational excellence on a global scale for its government clients and end users.

Michael Nilles, Member of the VFS Executive Board and Chief Digital and Technology Officer, remarked, "By combining the strengths of VFS Global and SAP, we are elevating cross-border mobility and citizen services to the next level. Strategically, this positions us as a leading force in shaping the future of GovTech and TravelTech, powered by technology and AI innovations that benefit governments, travelers and citizens worldwide."

VFS Global provides administrative support for visa, passport, and consular services on behalf of its client governments. It operates over 3,500 application centres in 158 countries and has processed more than 309 million applications since 2001. The company's approach to technology development prioritises ethical practices and sustainability, serving 69 client governments globally.

The partnership with SAP reflects a continued commitment by VFS Global to utilise technological advancement in support of governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and is majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone, with minority stakes held by the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation.

The adoption of SAP's suite of enterprise solutions is expected to provide VFS Global with access to advances in business data management and cloud technology. These tools are set to bolster efficiency, transparency, and scalability in its core business processes across its international operations.