Culture of innovation, diversity drives VFS Global’s success in Canada and around the world: Amit Kumar Sharma
VFS Global, founded in 2001, has grown to become the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist, with 3,353 visa application centers in 149 countries. The company has processed over 278 million applications since its inception.
VFS GLOBAL PHOTO
"Our goal is to create a seamless, efficient, and compassionate visa application experience where technology and human expertise work in tandem," Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of the Americas for VFS Global, said.
There’s a lot Amit Kumar Sharma loves about his job: the travel, diverse cultures, the innovation and delivering top-notch customer service.
Now serving as Head of the Americas for VFS Global, Sharma has enjoyed a 20-year journey with the world’s leading outsourcing visa and technology service specialist. His career has taken him around the globe, with stints in the Middle East and CIS countries after starting with the company in New Delhi in 2004.
Sharma has held various positions contributing to the company’s global expansion and success. In his current role, Sharma is responsible for overall business growth in the Americas, building strong governmental relationships and managing extensive operations in Canada, the U.S, Latin America and the Caribbean.
One of the things Sharma loves about his job is working with people from all corners of the world and diverse cultures. That collaboration and commitment to diversity has been at the core of VFS Global’s corporate culture.
"Diversity, equality, and inclusion have been integral to VFS Global long before they became industry buzzwords,” he said. “Our team comprises 129 nationalities, and we maintain a gender ratio of 54 per cent women to 46 per cent men. This diverse environment has been a cornerstone of our success."
Like many VFS Global employees, Sharma rose through the ranks, rewarded with empowerment and trust in exchange for hard work and strong performance.
In addition to drawing on skill sets from around the world, VFS Global’s success as a global leader in visa outsourcing and technology service rests on the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. It operates in 49 countries and serves 13 government clients in seven Canadian cities: Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s.
"Our goal is to create a seamless, efficient, and compassionate visa application experience where technology and human expertise work in tandem," Sharma said.
After tremendous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a spike in travel demand, and Sharma said VFS Global urges travellers to plan well in advance and ensure all proper documentation is in order.
Looking to the future, Sharma sees a promising future for VFS Global, driven by continuous innovation and expansion.
"We are committed to providing modern services and leveraging advanced technological solutions to meet the evolving needs of governments and applicants. Our investment in AI and other digital products will further enhance our capabilities," he said.
Sharma said one bonus about his current role is living and working in Canada, a place he describes as a comfortable and welcoming place with great opportunities for families and children. "I look forward to making many more good memories here," he said.
VFS Global, founded in 2001, has grown to become the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist, with 3,353 visa application centers in 149 countries. The company has processed over 278 million applications since its inception.
