Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, spoke to Today’s Traveller on the company’s role in shaping the future of cross-border travel
In a rapidly globalizing world, the demand for efficient and secure visa, passport, and consular services is paramount.
Having a trusted partner helps reduce the risk of application errors, saves time for the applicant and helps in navigating the complex bureaucratic terrain of visa application.
BLS International Services Ltd, a globally trusted tech-enabled service partner, has been at the forefront of this sector for over 19 years.
In a candid conversation with Today’s Traveller, Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, shares insights into the company’s journey, its role in shaping the future of cross-border travel, and its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
A LEADER IN VISA AND CONSULAR SERVICES
Since its inception in 2005, BLS International has established itself as a leader in the visa, passport, consular, and citizen services industry. The company has built a robust reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions, including e-governance, attestation, biometrics, and retail services. “Our focus has always been on providing efficient, secure, and customer-centric services,” says Aggarwal. “We understand the unique needs of both governments and applicants and strive to maintain sustainable growth while ensuring high standards of service.”
STRATEGIC GROWTH AND GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
BLS International’s strategic growth is evident in its expanding global footprint. The company collaborates with over 46 client governments, including diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates. With operations in 66 nations and more than 50,000 centres worldwide, supported by 60,000 employees and associates, BLS International has processed over 232 million applications to date. Speaking on the large volume of visa and consular services regularly handled by the company, Aggarwal says, “We have scaled our operations significantly to meet the growing demand for visa and consular services. Since 2021, we have expanded our Visa Application Centers, which has helped reduce waiting times and improve overall service efficiency.”
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
In an era where technology plays a crucial role in service delivery, BLS International has embraced cutting-edge solutions to enhance its offerings. The company has integrated advanced technology and robust processes to ensure the highest level of data security and operational efficiency. “We are proud to hold certifications such as CMMI DEV L5 V2.0 & SVC L5 V2.0, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, and ISO 14001:2015, among others,” says Aggarwal. “These certifications reflect our commitment to maintaining international standards and delivering top-notch services.”
FUTURE VISION: THE EVOLUTION OF VISA REQUIREMENTS
Discussing the future of visa requirements, Aggarwal highlights several key trends that will shape the industry. “The demand for international travel is set to grow, driven by factors such as Covid-19 recovery, tourism promotions, increased globalization, stricter border control requirements, and evolving migration policies,” he explains. “Countries are enhancing tourism recovery efforts by revamping visa policies, introducing Digital Nomad Visas, and adopting contactless technology at airports.” BLS International is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.
The company’s expansion and strategic initiatives have led to impressive financial performance, with revenue growing at a 52% CAGR and net profit at 86% CAGR from FY21 to FY24. “Our all-around service portfolio, from digitization and identity management to passport operations and consular services, positions us as a comprehensive solutions provider for client governments and visa applicants,” Aggarwal adds.
CORE VALUES: TRUST, INTEGRITY, AND TRANSPARENCY
At the heart of BLS International’s success are its core values of trust, integrity, and transparency. “These values are fundamental to how we connect with our client governments and applicants,” says Aggarwal. “Maintaining clear and honest communication channels is essential to our business ethics and helps us build long-lasting relationships with our stakeholders.”
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
As BLS International continues to expand and innovate, its leadership in the visa and passport processing space is poised to grow even stronger. The company’s unique status as the only publicly traded firm in this sector, with stock market symbols BSE: 540073, NSE: BLS, and MSE: BLS, underscores its leadership position and commitment to excellence. With a forward-looking approach and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the global travel industry, BLS International is not just keeping pace with change — it’s in fact leading it.
As the world moves towards greater interconnectedness, BLS International remains dedicated to providing exceptional service, leveraging technology, and upholding the highest standards of quality and security. “We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to support our clients and applicants with innovative solutions and unparalleled service,” concludes Aggarwal. BLS International’s journey is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to excellence. As it navigates the complexities of the global travel landscape, the company is set to remain a trusted partner for governments and citizens worldwide, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for all.
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