VFS Global, a global visa application services provider, on Wednesday launched a dedicated South Korea Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, offering Bangladeshi applicants a new facility to submit their visa applications.

The centre, located in Banani, was formally inaugurated by Kim Ji-joon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, along with Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer for South Asia at VFS Global, in the presence of other officials from the Korean embassy.

Applicants across Bangladesh can now submit their Korea visa applications at the new centre by booking an appointment online in advance, according to VFS Global. The centre operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a VFS Gglobal press release said.

“The launch of our Korea Visa Application Centre marks a significant step in improving the visa application submission experience for travellers across Bangladesh,” Talwar said, describing the facility as spacious and centrally located, with trained staff to assist applicants throughout the process.

VFS Global has provided visa processing services on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea since 2011. The company said it currently operates seven dedicated Korea visa application centres across five countries worldwide.

The company clarified that its role is limited to administrative functions such as collecting application forms and documents and returning passports once a decision has been made. Authority over granting or refusing visas rests solely with the Korean embassy, VFS Global said.

Applicants were advised to rely solely on the official websites of the Korean embassy and VFS Global for up-to-date information on visa requirements, fees, and appointment booking. Appointments can be booked at visaforkorea-bd.com.

VFS Global, headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, describes itself as a partner to 71 client governments, operating more than 4,200 application centres in 169 countries and having processed over 557 million transactions since 2001.