Indian expats across the UAE will now have a new place to turn to for passport, visa and attestation services. From July 22, 2026 onwards, Al Hind Tours and Travels will take over these services through a network of 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the country. This transition comes after weeks of legal uncertainty among many applicants in the UAE. If you’ve faced the same issue, then keep scrolling!
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Al Hind Tours And Travels Takes Over Consular Services In The UAE
Indian passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE have officially been outsourced to Al Hind Tours and Travels. This new system comes into effect on July 22, 2026. The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed that the services will now be managed through 16 ICACs located across the UAE.
The move means applicants seeking passport renewals, visa-related services, and document attestation will need to use the new provider. To schedule appointments, applicants can use the newly launched Consular Seva in the UAE portal. All applicants must check the latest instructions before visiting any centre.
New Centres To Handle Passport, Visa & Attestation Applications
Applicants with upcoming appointments must review the updated booking process and follow the new guidelines before heading to a centre. The 16 ICACs will provide a range of consular services for Indian citizens and other applicants across all Emirates. These include:
- Passport applications and renewals
- Visa-related services
- Document attestation services
Why Did UAE Consular Services Change Providers?
The transition follows the end of previous outsourcing agreements with BLS International. Previously, they handled passport and visa services, and SGIVS Global Services handled attestation services. Following the end of their contract on June 30, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) awarded a new contract to Al Hind Tours and Travels.
Delhi High Court Reviews Outsourcing Tender Process
Initially, the Delhi High Court challenged the manner in which the outsourcing process was conducted for Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services at Indian missions, including those in the UAE. On July 15, the court cancelled the MEA’s technical evaluation process. They stated that the assessment lacked transparency and was not conducted fairly.
The court directed the government to restart the tender process and complete the procurement exercise within a specified timeline. The decision raised concerns among Indian residents in the UAE about possible delays in essential services, including passport renewals, visa applications and document attestation.
Supreme Court Allows Temporary Arrangements To Avoid Disruptions
After the Delhi High Court’s decision, the Indian government approached the Supreme Court seeking relief.. But the Supreme Court did not overturn the earlier ruling and allowed the tender process to be reviewed as directed. Simultaneously, the court made sure consular services would continue without interruption. They allowed the Ministry of External Affairs to make temporary arrangements until the fresh tender process is completed.
The ministry can continue with existing service providers, temporarily appoint suitable bidders, or use another arrangement to ensure passport and consular services remain accessible at Indian missions.
Here’s What All UAE Applicants Need To Know
For now, applicants seeking Indian passports, visas, or attestation services in the UAE should use the updated Consular Seva platform. With thousands of Indian residents relying on these services every year, authorities have prioritised a smooth transition to prevent delays and maintain access to essential consular support.
The switch to Al Hind Tours and Travels is a major change for Indian consular services in the UAE. After weeks of uncertainty and confusion over visa/passport/attestation services, applicants can now finally proceed, stay updated and follow the latest procedures. As always, for more UAE news and travel updates, keep reading Gulf Buzz.
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