Inside VFS Global’s Visa Monopoly: EU Reports Flag Data Risks, Appointment Irregularities In India

Last Updated:May 28, 2026, 09:47 IST

VFS Global has emerged as the dominant outsourced visa-processing company for most European nations operating in India.

For millions of Indians dreaming of a European holiday, higher education abroad or a work opportunity in the Schengen region, the journey almost always begins at a VFS Global visa centre. But internal European Union inspection reports and confidential questionnaires now reveal growing concerns over how the company handles sensitive applicant data, appointment systems and customer services in India.

Headquartered in Dubai and majority-owned by private equity giant Blackstone, VFS Global has emerged as the dominant outsourced visa-processing company for most European nations operating in India. Its near-monopoly over Schengen visa applications means that for Indian travellers, there is often little alternative but to go through VFS centres.

The concerns surfaced in Freedom of Information (FOI) documents obtained by investigative journalism organisation Lighthouse Reports, in partnership with 14 international media partners. The documents were obtained from the EU headquarters in Brussels.

The records include reports from inspections carried out by the European Commission and Schengen member states, along with internal correspondence and questionnaires filled out by 11 countries.

The documents point to recurring operational problems in India, from incorrect data entry and mishandling of applications to allegations that appointment slots were being sold by staff or middlemen.

Several EU member states reportedly told inspectors that while complaints raised with VFS occasionally resulted in temporary improvement, the issues repeatedly resurfaced.

Report Flags Data Mishandling

One of the most serious concerns flagged in the reports relates to data protection. Inspectors raised questions over how applicants’ biometric and personal data were stored, transported and handled, including allegations that sensitive information was kept on unencrypted discs.

Given that visa applications involve passports, fingerprints, financial records and travel histories, any lapse could potentially affect millions of applicants.

The reports also highlighted the rise of “visa shopping", where travel agents allegedly exploit differences in approval timelines between Schengen countries to obtain visas from one nation while intending travel to another. Fake appointment slots and forged employment documents were also flagged during inspections in New Delhi in 2024.

For Indian applicants, these issues translate into rising frustration, higher costs and uncertainty in securing appointments. Many travellers have long complained about scarce slots, dependence on agents and aggressive marketing of paid “premium services" at visa centres.

VFS Rejects Allegations

VFS Global has rejected the allegations, stating that its operations are subject to “rigorous and continuous government oversight". The company said applicants are clearly informed that value-added services are optional and do not influence visa decisions.

However, the revelations are likely to intensify scrutiny of a company that today acts as the primary gateway between India and Europe for millions of travellers each year.

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