Legal dispute delays Alhind takeover of Indian consular services in UAE
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A legal dispute has delayed the shift of Indian passport, visa and consular services in the UAE to a new outsourcing provider, leaving the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to temporarily handle applications directly.
The Indian missions announced on Wednesday, July 1, that limited services would be available from Thursday, July 2, due to administrative reasons. Regional news agencies reported that the delay is linked to an ongoing court case over the appointment of the new operator.
The contracts of the previous service providers, BLS International and SGIVS Global Services, ended on June 30. Alhind Tours and Travel LLC was selected through a tender process to operate Indian Consular Application Centres from July 1.
The handover was paused after two bidders, E Trav Tech and Verasys, challenged the tender process before the Delhi High Court. The companies sought details of the technical evaluation, including marks awarded and reasons for disqualification.
The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which on June 24 directed that status quo be maintained and asked the Delhi High Court to hear the case urgently. The High Court has since reserved its judgment, meaning Alhind cannot formally take over operations until a decision is issued.
In a statement on Friday, Alhind confirmed that the launch of its Consular, Passport and Visa services has been postponed until further notice. The company said it had received communication from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi stating that services would begin only after further instructions.
Alhind said it has completed preparations, including setting up 16 application centres across the UAE, and is ready to begin operations once approval is granted.
Until then, applicants seeking passport, visa, Overseas Citizen of India card, Police Clearance Certificate, surrender certificate, attestation and related services have been advised to visit the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai.
Services are being offered on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis from 9am to 12.30pm.
Applicants must appear in person with completed application forms, supporting documents and the required fee. Only applicants are allowed inside the premises, except where parents are accompanying minor applicants.
The missions are accepting cash payments only and have advised applicants to carry the exact amount.
The temporary arrangement will continue until the transition to the new service provider is completed.