Terms & Conditions

By lodging an application for CPV Services through an ICAC operated by the Service Provider in United Kingdom, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions to the extent they relate to the Service Provider’s administrative and support services. Where there is any inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and any mandatory requirements of applicable law, the mandatory requirements shall prevail.

STATUS UPDATES (SMS/EMAIL/ONLINE TRACKING)

The Service Provider may provide application status notifications via SMS and/or email and may provide online tracking functionality (where available). Notifications and tracking reflect milestones recorded within the Service Provider’s systems and/or information received from the Mission/Posts.

SMS/email delivery depends on third-party networks and systems (including carrier performance, network availability, spam filtering and device settings) and therefore cannot be guaranteed. The Service Provider does not operate as and is not a telecommunications provider.

Applicants must provide accurate and up-to-date contact details (including a valid mobile number and email address). Applicants acknowledge that if they provide the contact details of another person, the communications relating to the application may be received by that person and any resulting disclosure is at the applicant’s own risk.

For applications lodged in person and for postal or courier applications(where applicable), the Service Provider will endeavour to provide up to four standard status notifications at no additional cost, typically covering: (i) receipt of application at the ICAC; (ii) dispatch of documents to the Mission/Posts; (iii) receipt of processed documents back at the ICAC; and (iv) dispatch/collection readiness for return to the applicant. This is subject to system availability and the return method selected.

Applicants must not misuse VFS Global contact channels (including helpline, email, web forms or automated tools) to transmit any content that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, defamatory, harassing or malicious. VFS Global may, where misuse occurs, restrict or suspend access to its contact channels without affecting an applicant’s ability to apply for CPV Services through the Mission/Posts.

Status notifications and tracking may be delayed or disrupted by force majeure events, scheduled maintenance or outages affecting third-party systems or networks. The Service Provider will take reasonable steps to minimise any such disruption where practicable. Nothing in this clause is intended to limit or exclude any non-excludable rights or remedies available under applicable law.

If customer(s)believes that status updates have not been received, the customer(s)may contact VFS Global using the helpline/email details published on the official VFS Global website for India in United Kingdom.

Customer(s) should keep their application reference numbers, receipts and tracking details secure and should promptly notify VFS Global if they suspect unauthorised access to their application tracking information.

VFS Global may temporarily suspend automated notifications or tracking features for maintenance, security, or operational reasons. Where feasible, VFS Global will endeavour to minimise disruption and restore services promptly.

VFS Global is not responsible or liable for content, availability or performance of third-party systems or services (including telecommunications carriers) used in connection with the delivery of notifications, except to the extent required by applicable law.

These status update terms are subject to applicable laws in United Kingdom and are to be read and applied consistently with the role of the Mission/Posts and the overall CPV Services process.

APPOINTMENTS / INTERVIEWS (WHERE REQUIRED)

The Mission/Posts may require an applicant to attend an interview and/or provide biometrics for certain CPV Services. Where scheduling is facilitated through VFS Global, applicants may be required to provide an application reference number and basic personal details to enable identification and appointment allocation.

Information provided for appointments/interviews will be used for administering CPV Services and may be disclosed to the Mission/Posts and relevant Government of India platforms/systems as required for processing and compliance purposes.

SPAM

VFS Global does not tolerate spam or unsolicited electronic communications.

VFS Global website/s and communication tools must not be used to send spam or to transit any content that would violate the terms and conditions of VFS Global user agreement.

VFS Global filters and automatically scans messages for viruses, malware and other illegal or prohibited content before they are sent.

To report any issues related to spam or spoof emails to VFS Global, please address such communications to communications@vfsglobal.com.

VFS Global does not permanently store email messages sent to or from us. VFS Global does not rent or sell any email addresses to third parties.

It is not permitted to copy, reproduce, license, modify, deface, hack, misuse or abuse VFS Global’ website or the contents therein.

FRAUDULENT RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT OFFERS

It has come to VFS Global’s attention that, individuals misrepresenting themselves as VFS Global’ agents or representatives have approached members of public with fraudulent/fictitious employment offers, with the intent to obtain personal information and/or solicit money. VFS Global encourages applicants and users to exercise caution and common sense when receiving any such employment offer, particularly where the offer requires payment of any fees or money, or promises employment, a work visa or consular assistance in exchange for payment. Such offers are fraudulent, invalid and should be disregarded. VFS Global is not a recruitment agency and does not offer recruitment or employment placement services. Scammers may operate through various channels including the internet, email, phone or messaging platforms. VFS Global strongly cautions members of the public to remain vigilant and beware of such scams.

Please be advised that VFS Global provides administrative/support services for CPV Services and works with governments and diplomatic missions to fulfil their outsourced service delivery requirements. Neither VFS Global nor its representatives will request money from individuals in exchange for employment opportunities. Any communication purporting to be from VFS Global that requests money or payment is fraudulent and should be treated as such.

Warning signs of recruitment fraud.

The following are some examples of recruitment fraud which are in violation of VFS Global’s processes and ethical practices:

• The email is not sent from an official VFS Global e-mail address but from a free e-mail service such as: Hotmail, Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc. It is also possible that, the email is sent from a fake email address.

• Applicants/users are asked to disclose private or confidential information.

• Applicants/users are asked to be interviewed over the phone or via an instant-messenger type program.

• Applicants/users are requested to pay fees/money.

• Applicants/users are requested to complete bogus recruitment documentation (including forms) purportedly issued by VFS Global.

• Insistence on urgency.

• Money is requested for processing work permits or applications, or the like.

Such actions are presumably intended to defraud or obtain personal information from the victims.

The activities of these individuals may give rise to criminal and civil liabilities. While VFS Global takes such matter seriously and reserves its right to contact competent law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute such illegal activities, it may in practice, be difficult to locate and prosecute these individuals.

Therefore, if the Applicant/Users receive any request, whether in writing or verbally, for an interview or a job offer that is believed to be or appears to be fraudulent or suspicious, VFS Global urges such applicants or users to disregard them and verify the same with VFS Global at communications@vfsglobal.com

If the Applicant/Users become aware that a fraud is being perpetrated, VFS Global encourages them to promptly contact the local police and/or other competent authorities and to also keep VFS Global informed by reporting the fraud to our Compliance Officer at acco@vfsglobal.com

Under no circumstances will VFS Global be held liable or responsible for any loss, damages, expenses or inconvenience resulting from the actions, representations or activities of such unauthorised persons.

INDEMNIFICATION

The Applicant or User agrees to indemnify and hold harmless VFS Global, its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of this website, submitted content, or breach of these Terms and Conditions.

• Changes to this Terms of Use

VFS Global at its sole discretion, may change, amend, cancel or withdraw any or all of the terms and conditions mentioned herein at any time without any prior notice. The continued use of the terms and conditions by the applicant or user after the change is effective, indicates their agreement to the new terms and conditions.

• Contact Us

For any questions about these Terms and Conditions or the practices described herein, please contact VFS Global using the contact details published on the official VFS Global website for India in United Kingdom.