Embassy reopens tender for a unified Indian Consular Application Centre across 14 locations
All passport and attestation centres for Indian expats in the UAE are set for a major overhaul, with the Indian missions planning to establish a unified service centre. The new Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) will have 14 branches and is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2024, reported gulfnews.com.
A single-window solution for over four million Indians in the UAE
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has reopened the tender for service providers to operate the ICAC, which will consolidate all consular services under one roof. This move aims to streamline services, reduce wait times, and enhance efficiency for both Indian nationals and foreign applicants seeking Indian visas.
Enhanced efficiency, real-time tracking, and strict service deadlines
Currently, BLS International handles passport and visa applications, while IVS Global manages document attestation. Under the new system, all services will be centralized in prime locations with stringent service standards.
The tender includes provisions for real-time application tracking, a new appointment booking website, and a turnaround time of 30 minutes per application. Service providers failing to meet deadlines will face penalties.
Proposed locations for the new centres
The ICAC branches are planned for Al Khalidiya, Al Reem, and Musaffah in Abu Dhabi; Al Ain; Ghayathi; Bur Dubai and JLT/Marina in Dubai; Al Majaz in Sharjah; Al Jurf in Ajman; Fujairah; Umm Al Quwain; Corniche/Subara in Khor Fakkan; Kalba; and Nakheel/Khujan/Mareed in Ras Al Khaimah.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com