The outsourcing of the applications is according to the global tender entered into by the Norwegian MFA and VFS Global.
The VFS center is located in the Morning Star mall in Bole area, and is currently shared with the Danish Embassy in Addis, with more countries to follow shortly.
All applications will still have to be registered and paid online on the Application Portal Norway, https://selfservice.udi.no, before meeting at the Visa Application Center. Exceptions may be made for study permits and certain work permits.
The booking of appointments is according to the same procedure as before, but the applicants will now be informed that they are to meet at the VFS Visa Application Center instead of the Norwegian Embassy.
VFS will perform the task of accepting applications and supporting documents for visas and residence permits, and perform the biometrics on behalf of the Embassy. VFS will also answer general queries about visas, residence permits and application procedures. More information can be found on their web site: http://www.vfsglobal.com/norway/ethiopia/
The Swedish Embassy in Addis will still handle visa applications on behalf of Norway, and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) will still process the residence permits. VFS will not have any influence whatsoever on the decision or outcome of applications.
VFS will have a larger capacity to handle applications than the Embassy currently has, thus the Norwegian Embassy in Addis Abeba believes that this new arrangement will be of benefit to the applicants and the Embassy alike, and welcome all applicants.