Indian nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates planning to apply for passport renewals, visas, or attestation services should be aware of an upcoming five-day suspension of regular services. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced that all routine appointments will be unavailable from June 26 to June 30, 2026.
Transition to New Service Provider
This temporary halt is a direct result of the Indian Embassy's transition to a new outsourced consular service provider. Currently, BLS International and SGIVS Global handle these services, but they will cease accepting new applications after June 25. From July 1, 2026, all new applications will be processed exclusively through centers operated by the newly appointed provider, Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC.
The Embassy urged applicants to submit any urgent requests before the June 25 deadline to avoid delays. Applications already submitted prior to the transition date will continue to be processed by the existing service centers.
Emergency Services During the Gap
For the five days when regular appointments are suspended, emergency consular services will be managed directly by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Individuals requiring urgent assistance during this period can contact the missions through dedicated channels:
- Toll-free number: 800 46342
- WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
- Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
Ensuring a Smooth Handover
The change in service providers follows a comprehensive tendering and evaluation process conducted by the Embassy. Officials stated that arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth handover, aiming to maintain essential service access for the Indian community throughout the UAE. The Embassy has advised all applicants to rely on official communication channels for accurate and timely updates regarding passport, visa, and other consular services during this transitional phase.