follow us
In a significant shift for the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), over four million Indians will experience a major overhaul in passport, visa, and consular services starting July 1, 2026. The Indian government has awarded a substantial outsourcing contract to the Kerala-based Alhind Group, which will establish 16 new service centers across all seven emirates. This transition marks the end of BLS International's decade-long tenure as the provider of Indian passport and visa support services in the region.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed that the new Alhind-operated centers will handle a range of essential services, including passport renewals, visa applications, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), and surrender certificates. This change is particularly noteworthy as the Indian community represents the largest expatriate population in the UAE, with an estimated 4.3 million residents. Consequently, any modifications to the passport and visa systems are expected to have a direct impact on the daily lives of workers, families, and businesses throughout the Emirates.
The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process that included four major bidders: Alhind, VFS Global, DU Digital Global, and SGIVS Global. Alhind secured the deal by submitting the lowest financial bid. The Indian mission's official notice outlined the services covered under the contract, which also includes global entry program verification and apostille and attestation services. Alhind aims to make these services more affordable and accessible, introducing a unified service fee of Dh19 above embassy charges, which will encompass additional services like photography and photocopying.
One of the most significant changes will be the expansion of physical service centers, with Alhind planning to operate from 16 locations, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. This rollout is expected to reduce travel time for many Indian residents outside central Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Alhind intends to digitize backend operations, enhancing the application process with upgraded online systems and digital tools, as confirmed by company representatives.
Founded in Kerala in 1992, Alhind has diversified its operations in the Gulf region, expanding into travel, foreign exchange, and IT services. The company is also in the process of launching a domestic airline project in India. As the transition approaches, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth rollout, as millions rely on these consular services annually. While there are concerns regarding operational readiness and data security, many residents remain optimistic that the expanded network of centers and reduced service charges will lead to faster and more convenient passport and visa services.
