UAE Indian Consular Services Transition to Alhind from July 1

Apr 22, 2026

65 min

Apr 22, 2026 12:31

UAE Indian consular services to move from BLS to Alhind from July 1

## New Service Provider for Indian Consular Services

Starting July 1, Alhind Tours and Travels will take over the provision of Indian consular services in the UAE, replacing BLS International. This change follows Alhind's successful bid for a three-year contract, offering services at a fee of Dh19 per transaction.

## Services and Locations

Alhind will manage passport renewals, visa applications, OCI cards, and other consular services. Operations will be conducted from 16 centers across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The company is in the process of finalizing leases for these locations.

## Transition and Digitalization

The appointment booking process will remain largely unchanged, but Alhind plans to introduce online applications and enhance digital processes. The company is recruiting between 250 and 350 staff members to support the transition.

## Background and Bidding Process

The contract was awarded after Alhind submitted the lowest financial bid among competitors like VFS Global and DU Digital. BLS International, which has managed these services since 2011, was barred from future tenders by India's Ministry of External Affairs due to various allegations.

## Alhind's New Role

Traditionally a travel and ticketing company, Alhind views this contract as a significant milestone. The company is committed to successfully managing the transition and serving the Indian community in the UAE.

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