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UK Visa Application Centres Worldwide Face Major Changes

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Travellers applying for UK visas should be aware of significant changes to the management of visa application centres worldwide.

According to TravelBiz, starting from September 2024 through January 2025, the UK government will transition to new commercial partners in certain regions, affecting visa applicants in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

This update comes as part of an effort to streamline visa services.

However, reports note that it may impact applicants who are currently in the process of applying for a visa. The recent changes will require applicants to be vigilant and informed.

Changes Noted

Details inform that starting October 15th 2024, the partner for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services will change from Sopra Steria to TLScontact. Hence, appointments scheduled on or after this date will occur at TLScontact service points.

While there may be limited availability initially, no action is required from applicants at this time.

Similar to international applications, these changes will not impact the decision on your application or the processing times.

Transitioning Service Providers

Reports provide that in some regions, the current provider, TLScontact, will change to VFS Global. This means applicants may start their visa application with TLScontact and finish it with VFS Global.

It is stated that the regions affected by this change include Africa, Europe, Middle East and Central Asia

What To Know

Reports inform that if your visa application is impacted by this transition, you will receive essential emails from both TLScontact and VFS Global. One is encouraged to follow these steps:

1. Check Your Emails: Look out for emails from both TLScontact and VFS Global. These emails may contain instructions for continuing your application process. Be sure to check your spam folder if you do not see them in your main inbox.

2. Verify Email Authenticity: Ensure that the sender’s email address ends with either “@tlscontact.com” or “@vfsglobal.com” to confirm that the email is legitimate.

3. Follow Instructions: Pay attention to any guidance provided in these communications to proceed with your application.

Appointment Details

If you have an appointment already booked with TLScontact, you should attend it as planned. However, it is noted that if you need to reschedule, be aware that you may incur a Mandatory User Pay (MUP) fee again. In this case, you can request a refund for the original MUP fee from TLScontact.

Further reports provide that for inquiries related to TLScontact services, visit the TLScontact website, select your country and visa application centre, and navigate to the help page.

Reports also note that the UK government has already transitioned the visa application centre in Belgium to VFS Global and that other locations will follow in the coming months, and updates will be provided as new centres are added.

Applicants are advised to stay updated by regularly checking their emails for notifications from both TLScontact and VFS Global. Verifying the authenticity of emails before taking any action is also essential.

This transition,  as informed, is purely a change in service providers and will not alter the visa application process itself.

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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