Indian citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates will experience a continued halt in routine passport, visa, and attestation services. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai announced on Monday that the suspension of these services has been extended until July 1, 2026.
During this period, both missions will exclusively handle emergency consular cases. This includes urgent passport, visa, and miscellaneous services, as well as critical attestation needs. The decision to extend the suspension by one day, from the originally announced June 30, was attributed to administrative reasons related to a critical service provider transition.
Transition of Consular Service Providers
The initial five-day suspension, which began on June 26 and was expected to conclude on June 30, was implemented to facilitate a change in outsourced service providers. Alhind Tours and Travel LLC is slated to take over the delivery of passport, visa, and attestation services across the UAE, replacing the existing providers.
Previously, BLS International managed passport and visa services, while SGIVS Global handled attestation. These companies ceased accepting new applications after the close of business on June 25, 2026, to prepare for Alhind Tours and Travel LLC's takeover from July 1.
Emergency Assistance and Future Updates
For individuals requiring urgent assistance during this extended suspension, the missions have provided several contact options:
- Toll-free number: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
- WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
- Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
The embassy stated that details regarding the resumption of normal services from July 2 onwards will be communicated in due course. The public is advised to monitor the official social media channels of the Indian Embassy and Consulate for the latest updates.