Alhind Replaces BLS for Indian Consular Services in UAE
In a major shift for Indian expatriates in the UAE, Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd has been awarded the new contract to manage outsourced Indian consular services, replacing long-time operator BLS International.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi confirmed the development in an official notice dated April 20, 2026, following a competitive tender process. Financial bids from four shortlisted companies—Alhind, DU Digital Global, SGIVS Global, and VFS Global—were opened on March 30, with Alhind emerging as the lowest bidder (L1).
End of BLS Era
This transition marks the conclusion of BLS International’s operations in the UAE, where it has handled Indian consular outsourcing services since 2011. The change signals a significant reset in the service landscape for one of the largest Indian diaspora populations globally.
Key Highlights of the New Contract
- New Service Provider: Alhind Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd
- Previous Operator: BLS International
- Contract Coverage: Abu Dhabi and Dubai missions
- Expected Rollout: From July 1, 2026 (subject to readiness)
- Service Centres: Up to 16 centres across the UAE
- Service Fee: Approx. AED 19 per transaction (all-inclusive)
Services Covered
The new contract includes a wide range of essential consular services, such as:
- Passport renewals
- Visa applications
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) services
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
- Surrender Certificates (SC)
- Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification
- Document attestation services
What This Means for Indian Expats
With a significantly lower service fee and a new operator, the move is expected to improve cost efficiency and streamline processes for millions of Indian expatriates across the UAE. The inclusion of services like document handling and photography within the unified fee may also enhance overall convenience.
Further details regarding centre locations, appointment systems, and transition timelines are expected to be announced closer to the rollout date.
