Kochi, Jun 20 (IANS): With the COVID-19 pandemic taking a heavy toll across the globe and putting a barrier to the future of students, healthcare workers waiting to pursue their dreams are stuck as the visa outsourcing centre here is yet to open.

VFS Global, a hugely popular visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, that has its office , here is not yet opened, so are their offices in the country.

Speaking to IANS, an anxious healthcare worker who had secured a job in London had submitted his passport along with Certificate of Sponsorship to the VFS office here in March, said : "It was after that the pandemic struck, leading to closure of all offices and hence their office here also downed their shutters. We have come to know that VFS have opened in some countries, but in India, it has not. Our job offer is for three months and due to the present worldwide situation, the job offer due to these circumstances is understood to be valid even after the three month period. But still, we are hoping against hope for the India operations can be opened at least partially in some centres."

"People whom I know have got employment under Tier 2 category in the UK. They have submitted their passport and all documents and are now waiting," said the person who did not wish to be identified.

However, taking to Twitter, VFS said, "Our operations will only resume based on the directives of the embassies and local governments."

Likewise Jan Thompson- the deputy British High Commissioner to India after knowing about the concerns also tweeted, "Know there is interest in when Visa Application Centres will reopen. Health and safety of staff and customers our top priority, so must take a measured approach to reopening. Please be assured we are working on this and will release further information on our plans shortly."