Dh19 unified fee announced as Alhind takes over Indian consular services in UAE
New provider to manage passport, visa and OCI applications
DUBAI – Indian expatriates across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set for a significant shift in passport and consular services, following the appointment of a new outsourcing partner by the Embassy of India.
The move introduces a unified service charge of Dh19 per transaction, promising a simpler and potentially more affordable process for millions of applicants. The transition also marks the end of a long-standing arrangement with BLS International, which has managed these services for over a decade.
The new contract, awarded to Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd, will cover a wide range of consular services delivered through the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Officials confirmed that the change will come into effect in the coming weeks, with July 1 being the anticipated rollout date, subject to final preparations.
Service shift
Under the new arrangement, Alhind will take over responsibilities for passport renewals, visa applications and other key consular processes. While the service provider will change, the core procedures are expected to remain largely familiar to applicants. Booking systems, however, will transition to a new dedicated platform, with plans for further digital enhancements to streamline applications.
Applicants can expect the same documentation requirements and processing steps, but with updated interfaces and service centres. The company has indicated that it aims to digitise backend operations to improve efficiency and reduce processing times.
This development follows the Embassy’s decision to award the contract after a competitive bidding process. Alhind secured the agreement by submitting the lowest financial bid, setting the service fee at Dh19 per transaction, inclusive of additional support services.
Wider coverage
Alhind plans to operate from 16 locations across the UAE, significantly expanding access for Indian residents. These centres will be spread across major cities and towns, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Al Ain, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.
The expansion is designed to improve accessibility and reduce travel times for applicants seeking consular services. The company is currently in the final stages of securing office spaces and infrastructure to support the rollout.
To manage operations, Alhind is recruiting between 250 and 350 staff members. Roles include submission officers, operations executives, facilitation staff and front-desk personnel. Recruitment efforts are already underway, with teams being mobilised from India to support the launch phase.
Fee structure
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a unified, all-inclusive fee. Applicants will pay Dh19 above the mandated embassy charges, covering services such as photography, photocopying and application handling.
This standardised pricing model is expected to reduce variability in service costs and eliminate additional charges that applicants previously encountered. According to company representatives, the aim is to provide a transparent and affordable service structure for the UAE’s large Indian community.
The contract itself spans a wide spectrum of consular services. These include passport renewals, visa processing, Overseas Citizenship of India cards, Police Clearance Certificates, Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification and various attestation services.
The shift also follows developments involving BLS International, which had held the contract since 2011. The company was previously barred from bidding for new Indian government tenders for a two-year period, although that restriction was later lifted by a court. Despite this, the new contract has now been awarded to Alhind after a fresh tender process involving multiple bidders.
Alhind, founded in Kerala in 1992, is part of a broader group with interests in travel, foreign exchange, IT and luxury services. The company has prior experience in handling documentation through authorised outsourcing centres in India, particularly for attestation and Apostille services.
As preparations continue, authorities have indicated that residents will be informed of detailed procedures and timelines ahead of the transition.