A major change is coming for the Indian expatriate community in the UAE. Starting from 1 July 2026, Alhind Tours and Travels will officially take over Indian passport, visa, and consular services in the UAE, replacing BLS International, which has handled these services since 2011.
The new system is expected to benefit more than 4.3 million Indians living in the UAE through expanded service centres, lower service charges, and improved digital facilities.
What Services Will Be Available?
The new centres will handle a wide range of Indian consular services, including:
- Passport renewal and fresh passport applications
- Indian visa services
- OCI card applications
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Surrender Certificate services
- Attestation and Apostille services
- Global Entry Programme verification
- Miscellaneous consular services
16 Service Centres Across UAE
Alhind has announced 16 centres across all seven emirates to make services more accessible to Indian residents.
Abu Dhabi – 6 Centres
- Al Khalidiya
- Al Reem Island
- Musaffah
- Madinat Zayed
- Ghayathi
- Al Ain
Dubai – 2 Centres
- Bur Dubai
- Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
Sharjah – 2 Centres
- Al Majaz
- Rolla
Other Emirates
- Ajman – Al Jurf
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Khor Fakkan – Corniche
- Kalba
- Ras Al Khaimah
Lower Service Charges for Applicants
One of the biggest highlights is the reduced service fee.
According to reports, Alhind has quoted an all-inclusive service charge of AED 19 per transaction, excluding embassy fees. This amount may also include services like photography and photocopying, helping applicants reduce additional expenses.
Improved Digital Services
Alhind has stated that while the application procedure will remain familiar, the company plans to introduce:
- Better online appointment systems
- Digitised backend processing
- Faster document handling
- Improved customer support
The company also plans to recruit more than 300 staff members to manage the operations across the UAE.
Why This Update Is Important
This transition is considered one of the biggest changes in Indian consular services in the Gulf region in over a decade. Indian expatriates regularly depend on these services for:
- Passport renewals
- Family visa procedures
- Newborn registration
- PCC applications
- Visa stamping and documentation
- Emergency travel documents
The opening of more centres is expected to reduce travel time and improve accessibility for residents living outside major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Final Note
Indian residents in the UAE should stay updated regarding:
- Official launch announcements
- Exact centre addresses
- Appointment booking procedures
- New website and portal updates
The new centres are expected to become operational from 1 July 2026.
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