Slightly off topic, but relevant. My son in Dubai is renewing his 5 year old daughter's passport, online....no silly VFS involved.
He had to nominate someone who has known HIM for over 2 years, and sent them MY email. I subsequently got an email from HMPO which I started to fill in, only to find that a family member is not acceptable. An airline pilot...chiropodist, dentist, funeral director, journalist, pub licensee!, nurse, optician, Sally Army Officer, surveyor, nurse, photographer, trade union officer or travel agent are all OK, working or retired.
Professions that are not accepted
You cannot confirm someone’s identity if you:
are a doctor, unless you state you know the applicant well (for example they’re a good friend) and you recognise them easily from their photo.
How silly can it get?
Luckily we know a Travel Agent.