A major change is coming for millions of Indians living in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has officially announced that Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC will become the new outsourced service provider for Indian passport, visa and consular services across the UAE beginning July 1, 2026. The transition follows the completion of a tendering and selection process conducted by Indian authorities.
The decision marks the end of a long-standing arrangement under which BLS International Services Ltd. and SGIVS Global managed passport renewals, visa processing, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) services, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), surrender certificates and various other consular applications for Indian nationals residing in the UAE. These providers will continue accepting and processing applications only until June 30, 2026.
From July 1 onwards, all new passport, visa and consular applications must be submitted through designated centres operated by Al Hind Tours & Travels. The Indian Embassy has advised applicants to continue using existing service centres until the transition date and to monitor official announcements for detailed information regarding locations, appointment booking procedures, service charges and operational timings.
The transition is expected to affect more than 4 million Indians living and working in the UAE, making it one of the most significant changes in consular services for the Indian diaspora in recent years. The Indian community represents the largest expatriate population in the Emirates and relies heavily on efficient passport and visa services for travel, employment, family sponsorships and legal documentation.
According to reports, Al Hind Tours & Travels plans to establish an extensive network of service centres across all seven emirates. The company is expected to launch up to 16 centres, providing greater accessibility and convenience for Indian residents. The expanded network aims to reduce travel time for applicants and improve overall service efficiency.
Applicants currently holding appointments or applications under BLS International or SGIVS Global should not be concerned. Existing applications submitted before July 1 will continue to be processed through the current providers. Only applications lodged on or after July 1, 2026, will be routed through the new service provider. Authorities have emphasized that applicants should complete any pending submissions before the transition deadline whenever possible.
In preparation for the handover, Indian passport, visa and attestation services will be temporarily suspended between June 26 and June 30, 2026. The brief pause is intended to facilitate the migration of systems and operational responsibilities to the new provider. Emergency consular services will continue to remain available during this period for urgent cases.
The Embassy of India has reassured the Indian community that both the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Officials have urged applicants to rely only on information published through official embassy websites and verified social media channels to avoid confusion or misinformation.
Industry observers believe the appointment of Al Hind Tours & Travels could bring fresh investments in customer service, digital appointment systems and operational infrastructure. The move reflects India’s ongoing efforts to modernize consular services and improve accessibility for overseas citizens and expatriate workers.
For Indians living in the UAE, the key takeaway is straightforward: continue using existing centres until June 30, 2026, and be prepared to use Al Hind-operated centres for all passport, visa, OCI and consular applications from July 1 onwards. As additional details are released, applicants should stay informed through official government announcements to ensure a seamless experience.
