The current VAC contracts are valid until October 31, 2023. The VACs provide administrative support services and biometric collection services. They play no role in the decision-making process. They are expressly forbidden from providing any visa-related advice to applicants or from making any type of determination. By having the VACs abroad, we're able to provide a higher number of administrative services to a higher number of applicants and for a higher number of collection—
On January 27th, 2021. See this statement in context.