On July 10, the Consulate General of India in Dubai, UAE, announced significant changes regarding the handling of consular services. This decision marks a shift in how services are managed, aiming to streamline operations and increase transparency for Indian citizens living in the region.
Changes in Outsourced Service Providers
Starting July 1, 2026, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai will terminate their contracts with BLS International and SGIVS Global. These companies have been the primary outsourced service providers for passport, visa, and attestation services. Moving forward, all such services will be managed directly by the embassy and consulate from their respective locations. This change is expected to enhance the efficiency of service delivery by eliminating unauthorized third-party fees.
The advisory emphasized that any representation by external entities claiming to have authorization from the Embassy or Consulate is false. The goal is to empower Indian nationals in the UAE to utilize government resources without incurring unnecessary charges or falling victim to fraudulent practices.
Streamlined Appointment Booking
In line with this new approach, the process for booking appointments for passport, visa, and attestation services will also become more straightforward. The Consulate has introduced an official appointment portal that allows individuals to schedule services at no cost directly. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, making the process more efficient and accessible.
The appointment portal can be accessed at book.passportindiauae.com, ensuring that users can manage their appointments hassle-free. The Consulate strongly advises the public not to pay any fees to BLS International, SGIVS Global, or any unauthorized individuals or agencies claiming to assist with appointment bookings.
Your Safety is Paramount
The Consulate has underscored the importance of public awareness in navigating these changes. They have requested individuals who feel they have been misled or overcharged by unauthorized entities to report these incidents immediately through official channels. This initiative reflects a commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that all services remain transparent and accountable.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to rely solely on official sources for information related to passport, visa, and attestation services to avoid potential scams or misinformation. By staying vigilant and informed, Indian nationals in the UAE can ensure their consular needs are met efficiently and reliably.
The recent changes by the Consulate General of India in Dubai mark a renewed commitment to improving service delivery for Indian expatriates in the UAE. By managing consular services in-house, the embassy aims to provide a seamless experience, ensuring that citizens receive the support they need without the burden of additional fees or complications.