If you are an Indian living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this is an important update.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced that regular passport, visa, and other consular services will remain limited until July 1, 2026.
During this period, only emergency cases will be handled.
The temporary change is part of the transition to a new service arrangement.
Which Services Will Be Affected?
Until July 1, general appointments for several consular services will not be available.
These include:
Passport-related services
Visa services
Document attestation and verification
Other consular services
However, emergency services will continue without any changes.
Indian citizens facing urgent situations can still contact the Indian Mission through its toll-free helpline, WhatsApp, or email.
The Embassy has confirmed that all emergency contact details remain the same.
Regular Services to Resume From July 2
The Indian Embassy has said that normal passport and consular services are expected to resume from July 2, 2026.
It has also advised Indian citizens to follow only the Embassy’s official website and social media channels for updates and not rely on rumours or unofficial information.
New Service Provider Appointed
As part of the new arrangement, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC has been appointed as the new service provider for Indian passport, visa, and other consular services in the UAE.
The company will officially begin operations from July 1, 2026, replacing BLS International and SGIVS Global (IVS).
Because of this transition, BLS and IVS stopped accepting new appointments after June 25.
What Services Will Be Available Under the New System?
The new Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) will provide multiple services at one location, making the process more convenient for applicants.
The services will include:
Passport issuance and renewal
Visa services
OCI card services
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Surrender Certificate
Global Entry Program verification
Document attestation
Other consular services
Service Centres Across All Seven Emirates
Under the new system, service centres will be opened across all seven emirates of the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Additional centres will also be set up in Khor Fakkan and Kalba.
The Indian Embassy has said that the exact addresses of these centres will be announced soon.
