BCS Group-Boers Crew Service experiences significant growth within six months of its new Boers Visa Expert Center opening in The Philippines.

The Visa Expert Center opened in November last year and it has already doubled its workforce, with eight members of staff now based at the center to deal with the increasing level of enquiries maritime professionals, as well as assisting colleagues in Europe.

Thanks to its strategical global locations in Manila, The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, Boers now operates 24/7, with someone always available to assist with enquiries regardless of its urgency..

Manager Sales and Operations, Philippines, Jelle Kranendonk said: “I am really pleased with how well things are going since we officially opened in November last year. We have doubled our team here from four members of staff to eight who are helping to deal with visa applications and assisting with any enquiries from our other locations in Europe.

“We are seeing a high number of maritime professionals coming through our doors seeking assistance with their paperwork. The Schengen visa is a very complex process so people here in Manila really appreciate having a physical presence here they can visit. All our employees are local Filipinos so it just gives maritime professionals that reassurance that help is easily available with local-speaking staff.”

Mr Kranendonk says he is expecting to see further growth over the coming months as the center continues to attract new business.

The company’s global presence in Europe and the Philippines confirms Boers’ position as a leading crew change provider, enabling it to offer the full spectrum of crew change services and facilitate a smooth and reliable journey for maritime professionals from the moment they leave home. The new office in Manila is streamlining the visa process and unburdening local shipping companies.

Headed up by the general management formed by Mr Kranendonk and Chito Majabague, the Manila office provides a base for the team to process visa applications and ensure there are no unnecessary delays to crew changes. Its position in the local area will enable staff to face any challenges that may arise with a physical presence, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible.