VFS Global Reports Progress in Sustainability, Expands Responsible AI and CSR Initiatives

New Delhi, July 29, 2026: VFS Global has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining progress across environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities alongside advancements in digital transformation and responsible artificial intelligence (AI). The report, the company's seventh, follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN Global Compact (UNGC) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework.

According to the report, 65% of new hires in 2025 were women, CSR spending increased by 94%, electronic waste recycling rose by 41% compared to 2024, and the company supported the planting of 650,000 trees through reforestation initiatives. VFS Global also reported a 13% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions and stated that 80% of its electricity consumption was sourced through renewable energy certificates.

The company expanded its responsible AI initiatives by introducing enterprise-wide governance frameworks and deploying six AI-enabled solutions, with at least one application being used by more than 20 client governments. During the year, VFS Global also acquired a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a provider of digital and physical citizen services in Brazil.

Commenting on the report, Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, said: “2025 marks a landmark year where our sustainability commitments actively advanced our global growth and drove significant value creation. We have made meaningful progress by strengthening employee engagement, nearly doubling our CSR investments, and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our operations. Furthermore, by achieving a 41% surge in e-waste recycling and ensuring women represented 65% of our new hires, we have reinforced our commitment to environmental stewardship and to women empowerment. This progress is anchored by a stellar 97.6% customer satisfaction rate, demonstrating that deep societal impact and high performance go together.”

Shireen Mistree, Head – Sustainability, VFS Global, said, "Our 2025 Sustainability Report highlights our progress in embedding sustainability across our business and driving responsible growth. Our second Double Materiality Assessment marks a key milestone, enabling us to better understand, prioritise, and manage our social and environmental impacts alongside business-critical factors. This approach strengthens our ability to anticipate risks, respond to regulatory expectations, and make informed decisions that support long-term resilience.”

The report also highlights 97.6% customer satisfaction, 98% engagement with local suppliers, 151 CSR initiatives across more than 30 countries, and 37,481 CSR beneficiaries during 2025.