Indian Passport Service Rollout Delayed as Court Case Keeps New Centres Closed

The launch of Indian passport and consular services at 16 newly established application centres across the UAE has been delayed as a legal dispute over the outsourcing contract continues in India.

The centres, operated by Alhind Global Services, were expected to begin operations on July 1. However, the transition has been put on hold pending the outcome of proceedings before the Delhi High Court, leaving the newly equipped facilities largely unused.

A visit to the company's Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) application centre at UW Mall found the office ready for operations but largely empty. Staff were conducting system simulations, including token management and waiting-time tests, while waiting areas and most service counters remained vacant.

The centre, spread across more than 12,000 square feet with over 45 service counters, has been designed to handle passport, consular and attestation services with the aim of significantly reducing waiting times for applicants.

In Dubai, Alhind has another CPV application centre at Dubai Investment Park (DIP). The remaining centres are located in Al Danah, Al Reem, Musaffah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Al Majaz, Rolla, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Khorfakkan, Kalba and Ras Al Khaimah. For the first time, a centre has also been established in Gayathi, in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, to serve the large Indian community living and working around the Ruwais area.

Legal Dispute Delays Transition

Alhind was awarded the outsourcing contract earlier this year following a competitive bidding process initiated in November 2025. The Embassy of India had announced that it would replace BLS, which had managed passport, visa and consular services in the UAE since 2011. Alhind emerged as the lowest bidder among four shortlisted companies.

However, the handover has been delayed after two unsuccessful bidders challenged the contract award before the Delhi High Court. The petitioners contend that they were excluded during the technical evaluation stage without adequate justification. The court is expected to deliver its judgment in the coming weeks.

Appointment-only Passport Services Continue

Until the legal dispute is resolved, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have temporarily taken over the delivery of passport and consular services.

Both missions now require applicants to secure appointments online before visiting, replacing the earlier walk-in system. Applicants must book their slots in advance through the official appointment portal.

The move comes amid heavy seasonal demand, with the Consulate General of India in Dubai receiving more than 1,000 applicants on most days during the peak summer travel period.

 
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