New British visa centre opens

An improved and well-facilitated British Visa Centre was inaugurated by the British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner in Karachi on Monday.

The British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavrianakis and Deputy Head of Mission Karachi Martin Dawson were also present on the occasion. During the inaugural ribbon cutting, plaque installation, speeches and visit to the Centre, Turner said, "at least 500,000 people travel between the UK and Pakistan annually and we want to deepen these ties." He said that the Gerry's Centre is expected to enhance the customer experience for the travellers.

He said that the new and improved Visa Application Centre offers a range of services to choose from. Applicants can take advantage of the self-service facility, and get assistance in filling out their application.

Behind this Visa Centre is an innovative concept, an attempt to make the journey of a visa applicant comfortable and enjoyable.

Gerry's Group Managing Director Akram Wali Mohammad said, "The UK and Gerry's Group have shared years of commitment and cooperation, as we have franchised more than 50 Costa Coffee branches in the UK, as well as have the honour of running operations at the British Visa Application Centre in Pakistan.

He said that this newly developed Application Centre "One Window" solution ensures the visa facilitation process. “As a group, we strive to do just fine and build lasting relationships.” He said, "the journey has just began for us".

The new British Visa Application Centre was launched in March 2022. Besides the operating in the UK, it is working in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand as well.

He added said that Gerry's group has a diversified portfolio with the partnership for other global operators such as Costa Coffee, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Emirates Airlines Group, Air France and KLM.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2022.