Indian expats in UAE face passport delays as consular services shift providers

Several Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are facing delays in obtaining passports and other documents after a transition between consular service providers disrupted operations, Khaleej Times reported.

The delays have left some residents worried about education, travel and other time-sensitive requirements. Limited services resumed Thursday, July 2, on a walk-in basis.

Why are Indian passport services delayed in the UAE?

Indian passport services in the UAE were disrupted after authorities shifted consular operations from BLS, which had run them for more than a decade, to Alhind Tours & Travels. The transition followed a tender issued in November 2025, and Alhind was chosen from four shortlisted companies after submitting the lowest bid. The handover left a gap in services that affected passport renewals and document processing.

How has the delay affected Indian expats?

One parent told Khaleej Times his daughter's college admission could be affected because the family could not obtain a Non-Resident of India certificate. They learned about the requirement only after the previous provider stopped operating and have been waiting for services to resume. "I am worried that my daughter's admission will be affected if we don't submit the certificate in time," he said.

Dubai resident Manju Sreekumar traveled to Umm Al Quwain during the final days of the old provider's operations to renew her passport. She and her husband had applied for a UK visa to attend their daughter's graduation, but the application was rejected because her passport lacked six months of validity. She eventually secured an appointment in Umm Al Quwain after finding availability difficult amid heavy demand.

What has Alhind's takeover meant for travel plans?

Sreekumar called the delay in launching the new consular setup unfortunate given its impact on Indian expatriates. "I have several friends whose travel plans are in limbo because they cannot renew their passports," she told Khaleej Times. She added that many people only discover their passports are nearing expiration after they have already made travel plans, leaving little room to correct course.

When will regular Indian consular services resume in the UAE?

The Indian mission in the UAE announced Wednesday that limited consular services would resume Thursday, July 2, citing administrative reasons. The embassy and the Consulate General of India said passport, visa, attestation and other services would run on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Applications are being handled on a first-come, first-served basis until fuller service resumes.