Table of Contents
Indian Embassy in UAE Suspends Passport and Visa Appointments for 5 Days: What Expats Need to Know?
Indian nationals living in the UAE should take note of an important update regarding passport, visa, and attestation services. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced a temporary suspension of regular consular appointments from June 26 to June 30, 2026, as the country transitions to a new outsourced service provider.
Why are Consular Services Being Suspended?
The temporary pause is part of a planned handover process from existing service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global to Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC, which will officially manage Indian passport, visa, and consular services across the UAE from July 1, 2026.
As a result, the current providers will stop accepting new applications after business hours on June 25, and no regular appointments will be available during the five-day transition period.
Emergency Services Will Continue
The Indian diplomatic missions have clarified that emergency passport, visa, and attestation services will remain available throughout the transition. Applicants with urgent requirements can contact the Embassy or Consulate directly for assistance.
📞Toll-free number: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
📞WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
✉️ Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassies
- Types of Visas in UAE
- UAE Immigration
- How to renew UAE Passport? Procedures and the required documents
- Worldwide UAE Visa Application Centre
What changes from July 1?
Starting July 1, Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC will become the sole outsourced provider for Indian consular services in the UAE. The company is expected to introduce a new appointment system and expand service accessibility for the large Indian expatriate community across the Emirates.
Reports indicate that Al Hind plans to establish 16 dedicated service centres across all seven emirates, including major facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, making passport and visa services more accessible for millions of Indians residing in the UAE.
What UAE Residents should do?
If you need a passport renewal, visa application, or document attestation, it is advisable to complete your appointment before June 25, 2026, or wait until the new system becomes operational in July. Those with urgent travel or documentation needs should use the emergency support channels provided by the Indian mission.
Final Thoughts
The five-day suspension may temporarily affect routine applications, but it is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at improving consular services for the UAE’s large Indian community. With Al Hind set to take over operations and launch multiple service centres, applicants can expect a more streamlined and accessible experience in the coming months.