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Alhind Group has won Indian govt’s contract to handle passport, visa and consular services in UAE from July 2026, replacing BLS International.
The UAE’s Indian passport and visa system is set for an overhaul, with 16 new centres. (Image: Representative/Canva)
More than 4 million Indians residing in the UAE will soon experience significant changes in passport, visa and consular services after Kerala-based Alhind Group secured a major outsourcing contract from the Indian government.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the company will launch 16 service centres across all seven emirates. The development marks the end of BLS International’s long-standing role in the UAE, where it has managed Indian passport and visa support services since 2011.
Indian nationals will now access services such as passport renewals, visa applications, OCI cards, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), surrender certificates and other consular facilities through Alhind-operated centres linked to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
The shift is drawing widespread attention due to the UAE hosting the world’s largest Indian expatriate population, estimated at over 4.3 million people.
The Indian Embassy awarded the contract after a competitive bidding process involving VFS Global, DU Digital Global and SGIVS Global, with Alhind emerging as the lowest bidder.
The contract covers passport and visa processing, OCI services, PCCs, surrender certificates, Global Entry Programme verification, as well as apostille and attestation work.
Speaking to Gulf media, the owner of Alhind Group of Companies, Mohammed Haris T, said the goal is to make services “more affordable and accessible”. He added that customers would pay a unified Dh19 service fee above embassy charges, including photography and photocopying.
“We want to make the process as affordable as possible,” Haris said.
Alhind also plans to digitise backend operations and recruit over 300 employees across the UAE for the expanded network.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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