The Indian community, numbering around 4.3 million people, remains a vital part of the UAE’s economy and society. With this new provider, authorities aim to deliver faster, more efficient and cost-effective services
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
A major change is coming for the Indian community in the UAE, as BLS International will no longer handle passport and visa services from July 1. The contract has been awarded to Alhind Tours and Travels Private Limited, marking a new chapter in consular support for millions of Indians living in the country.
The decision was made by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, with the new agreement set for an initial period of three years. Alhind will manage services at both Abu Dhabi and Dubai centres, offering a wide range of facilities including passport renewals, visa processing, OCI cards, police clearance certificates and document attestations.
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One of the key highlights is affordability. Alhind has quoted a flat fee of Dh19 per transaction, which includes additional services such as photographs at no extra cost
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This makes the new system more economical compared to previous arrangements.
The company plans to open 16 service centres across the UAE, covering major locations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. It is also investing in improved digital systems to make applications smoother, with more online options expected soon. To support operations, Alhind is recruiting up to 350 staff members.
This transition follows restrictions placed on BLS by India’s Ministry of External Affairs over compliance concerns. Having managed services since 2011, its exit marks a significant shift.
