India Switches UAE Passport and Visa Services to Al Hind

Indian passport holders in the UAE are set for a major service change. From July 1, 2026, Al Hind Tours and Travels LLC will become the new outsourced provider for passport, visa, OCI, and consular services across the country.

This transition affects applications managed under both the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Until June 30, 2026, existing centres run by BLS International and SGIVS Global will continue to accept applications as usual.

What changes from July 1, 2026?

Starting July 1, all fresh submissions for Indian passport and visa-related services in the UAE will be routed through Al Hind-operated centres. That includes routine requests such as renewals, OCI matters, and other consular services.

The shift is part of a broader outsourcing arrangement designed to manage high application volumes for one of the largest Indian communities overseas. While the service provider changes, the core eligibility rules and government procedures are expected to remain the same.

Existing appointments with BLS or SGIVS before June 30 should be attended as scheduled.
New appointment booking details will be announced through official Indian mission channels.
Applicants should wait for updated information on fees, locations, and support contacts.
Service availability may temporarily fluctuate during the transition period.

What applicants should do now

If you already have a confirmed appointment before the end of June, there is no need to reschedule unless you receive an official update. Continue with your application through the current provider.

If your planned application falls in July or later, avoid using old booking links or third-party advice. Instead, monitor announcements from the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai for the latest instructions.

Why this matters for Indian residents and travellers in the UAE

Passport renewals, visa processing, document attestations, and OCI applications are common needs for Indian nationals living in or travelling to the UAE. When the outsourced service provider changes, applicants often experience differences in appointment systems, centre locations, and customer service channels.

In many such transitions, the first few weeks are the most confusing. That is why checking official sources matters more than relying on social media posts, outdated websites, or unofficial agents.

Tips to avoid delays during the transition

Keep your passport, application number, and appointment confirmation handy.
Check only official embassy and consulate websites for updates.
Confirm service centre details before travelling.
Allow extra time if your application is urgent or time-sensitive.

For now, the key message is simple: nothing changes immediately until June 30, 2026, but applicants should prepare for new booking and service procedures from July 1 onward.

CONCLUSION

The move to Al Hind marks an important service transition for Indian passport and visa applicants in the UAE. While the change is administrative rather than policy-based, it can still affect how and where people submit applications.

If you are planning to renew a passport, apply for a visa, or handle OCI and consular services, stay alert for official announcements and follow the new process once it goes live on July 1, 2026.