Indian passport, visa services in UAE outsourced to Al Hind Tours and Travels from July 22
Indian passport, visa and document attestation services in the UAE have shifted to Al Hind Tours and Travels from July 22, 2026, with applicants now able to access services through a network of 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the Emirates.
The new arrangement is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to essential consular services for the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE. Applicants seeking passport renewals, fresh passports, visa services and document attestation have been advised to book appointments through the newly launched Consular Seva in UAE online portal before visiting an ICAC.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have issued advisories informing residents about the transition and the commencement of services through the new service provider.
New Appointment System Introduced
Under the revised system, applicants must schedule appointments online before visiting the designated centres. Authorities have advised applicants to check the latest service guidelines, required documents and appointment details in advance to avoid delays.
The network of 16 ICACs is expected to improve access to consular services for Indian nationals and other applicants residing across different emirates.
Change Follows Expiry of Previous Contracts
The transition follows the expiry of earlier outsourcing agreements on June 30, 2026. Passport and visa services were previously managed by BLS International, while document attestation services were handled by SGIVS Global Services.
Following the conclusion of those contracts, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) awarded a new contract to Al Hind Tours and Travels to establish and operate 16 ICACs across the UAE.
The move, however, comes amid a legal dispute over the procurement process for outsourcing consular, passport and visa services at Indian missions abroad.
Delhi High Court Sets Aside Technical Evaluation
On July 15, the Delhi High Court set aside the MEA's technical evaluation process for outsourcing Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi.
The court observed that the evaluation of bidders lacked transparency and was arbitrary. It directed the Centre to conduct a fresh tender process and complete the procurement exercise at the earliest.
The ruling had raised concerns among Indian expatriates in the UAE, who rely on consular services for passport renewals, emergency travel documents, visas, power of attorney attestations and other official requirements.
Supreme Court Allows Temporary Arrangements
The Union government subsequently challenged the Delhi High Court's order before the Supreme Court. However, the apex court declined to interfere with the High Court's decision and upheld the direction for a fresh tender process.
At the same time, the Supreme Court allowed the Ministry of External Affairs to make temporary arrangements to ensure that essential passport and consular services continue without disruption during the transition.
The government can continue with existing service providers, engage the lowest eligible bidders from the previous tender process or adopt another suitable mechanism to maintain uninterrupted services at Indian missions abroad.
What Applicants Need to Know
Indian nationals and other applicants seeking passport, visa or document attestation services in the UAE should use the Consular Seva in UAE portal to book appointments at designated ICACs operated by Al Hind Tours and Travels.
Applicants have been advised to verify the required documents, appointment timings and service guidelines before visiting a centre. Those who already have appointments are also advised to check the latest updates issued by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
The launch of the new network marks an interim phase in the delivery of Indian consular services in the UAE. While Al Hind Tours and Travels has begun operations through 16 ICACs, the MEA will undertake a fresh tender process in compliance with court directions. Temporary arrangements will remain in place to ensure passport, visa and attestation services continue without disruption.
