Indian Embassy invites new bids for passport and consular services in UAE

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has released a new tender to outsource passport, visa, and consular services within the UAE. The contract aims to run for three years, with the successful bidder required to establish and operate 15 Indian Consular Application Centres across the country. Alhind Tours & Travels currently handles these services on an interim basis following a legal dispute, which caused significant delays in passport renewals.

The Supreme Court mandated a fresh tender process, leading to the current call for new bids. The selected provider must implement an online appointment system, ensuring appointments are available within five working days. Interested companies must submit their proposals by October 26, and the embassy aims to announce the winner by November 27.

Indian residents in the UAE will not need to change their application procedures immediately, as the embassy will communicate any updates resulting from the new contract. The next service provider will be responsible for various services, including passport applications, visa applications, OCI services, police clearance certificates, surrender certificates, Global Entry Programme verification, and miscellaneous attestation services.