In a major development, the processing of passport, visa and attestation applications in the UAE will be taken over by a new agency. Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will replace BLS International and SGIVS Global (popularly known as IVS), from July 1.
In view of the change, there will be no regular appointments for passport, visa or consular service from June 26 to June 30. For emergency passport, visa and attestation services, Indian citizens can approach the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai throughout the transition period. For urgent assistance, applicants can reach the Indian missions via the toll-free number 800 46342 (800 INDIA), WhatsApp on +971 54 309 0571, or by email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in.
From July 1, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will operate under the name Indian Consular Application Centre or ICAC, a branding used by Indian missions globally. However, it is unclear how Alhind will brand itself, whether it will use its name as a prefix or suffix.
The change comes as the BLS International was barred by India's Ministry of External Affairs from bidding in future government tenders for two years. The move came "on account of allegations, including court cases and complaints of applicants."
Following this, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi conducted a competitive tender process to appoint a single outsourced provider for Indian passport, visa and consular services in the UAE. Over 15 international companies participated, with the contract officially awarded to Alhind Tours and Travels LLC, which submitted the lowest financial bid of AED 19 per transaction. Other bidders included VFS Global, DU Digital and SGIVS Global.
Unlike before, all consular services will solely be handled by Alhind Tours and Travels LLC. While BLS International has processed passport and visa applications since 2011, SGIVS Global has managed document attestation services since 2013.
Unlike the previous system, Alhind will bring everything under one roof. Services to be offered include passport renewals and fresh passport applications, visa applications, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card applications, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), Surrender Certificates (SC), Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification, attestation of documents and miscellaneous consular services.
Alhind will also launch a new online appointment portal on July 1.
