Overseas network

This page describes the UK Border Agency's overseas network.

The overseas network consists of 6 regions: Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Euro-Med, South Asia, and Pakistan and the Gulf.

Following a restructure which began in 2007, the overseas network operates on a 'hub and spoke' model. In each region there are a number of visa application centres ('spokes') where people can submit their visa applications, supported by fewer decision-making centres ('hubs') where we decide those visa applications.

On the right side of this page you will find our world map, and a more detailed map of each region, showing the hubs and spokes. Updated versions of these maps are published monthly.

The redesign of the network has had 3 main benefits:

• Improved quality and consistency of decision-making
  Moving work from small sections to regional hubs has helped to ensure that visa applications are processed consistently, and to a high standard, across the network. Applications are considered by specialist full-time entry clearance officers and entry clearance managers, supported by a coordinated risk assessment operation and comprehensive training.
• Improved efficiency and productivity
  Keeping costs down is essential so that we can invest in customer services and our staff, and keep visa application fees competitive. By reducing our operating costs, we can provide better value for money for customers.
• Greater resilience and flexibility
  Moving work from expensive and less secure environments to more stable regional hubs has reduced the risks to our staff, and has created a visa network that is more flexible and responsive in the event of natural disasters, political instability and fluctuations in demand.

We continue to work with our staff, our customers and other external groups to define the network structure that is most suitable for each region. We will ensure that our staff can continue to deliver the world-class visa service our customers have come to expect, while contributing to wider Home Office and UK Border Agency priorities.