UK unveils new Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong
Minister welcomes launch of the Youth Mobility Scheme in Hong Kong
皇冠体育app UK鈥檚 new Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong was officially opened today following the outsourcing of the UK visa application service in Hong Kong to VFS Global. VFS Global already successfully delivers UK visa services across Asia Pacific, including in mainland China.
皇冠体育app new Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong will provide greater convenience and choice to customers through extended opening hours and a range of premium services.
皇冠体育app centre was officially opened by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Mark Simmonds MP, British Consul General to Hong Kong Caroline Wilson, and representatives from UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global.
Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds also presented the first tranche of Youth Mobility Scheme visas to eight successful local applicants, together with a special certificate, and welcomed them to the UK.
Minister Mark Simmonds said:
皇冠体育app UK is pleased to welcome Hong Kong鈥檚 young people to our youth mobility programme. 皇冠体育app scheme provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen cultural links and deepen mutual understanding between the UK and Hong Kong.
I hope these young people from Hong Kong will enjoy their stay with us and broaden their horizons by experiencing life and culture in the UK, and I wish them the best of luck.
皇冠体育app number of UK visas issued to Hong Kongers continues to rise. In 2013, over 10,500 visas were issued: a 10% year-on-year increase driven largely by students which reflects the UK鈥檚 popularity as a destination for high quality education.
Further information
- 皇冠体育app new Visa Application Centre is located at 15th Floor, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08.00 to 15.00 (08.00 to 18.00 during the summer peak season).
- Customers should visit the for information on how to apply for a UK visa in Hong Kong.
- In January 2014 Hong Kong formally joined our reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme which allows 1,000 HKSAR passport holders, aged between 18 and 30 to live, work and/or study for up to 2 years in the UK. 皇冠体育app scheme enables the same number of young Britons to come to Hong Kong under similar arrangements. 皇冠体育app scheme was already open to eligible BNO passport holders.