UAE’s New Alhind Passport Centres Await Launch as Indian Missions Continue Appointment-Only Services.
The offices of Alhind Global Services across the UAE remain largely deserted as the launch of outsourced Indian consular services continues to be delayed by a legal dispute. The centres were expected to be buzzing with activity from July 1, but the ongoing case has postponed the operator’s takeover of the services.
During a visit to Alhind’s CPV application centre at UW Mall, the facility appeared mostly empty, with staff conducting trial runs of token systems and estimated waiting times. At the largest of the 16 centres, several waiting chairs remained unused and more than half of the workstations were vacant.
In an earlier interview with Khaleej Times, a spokesperson for Alhind Tours and Travels said the facility spans more than 12,000 square feet and features over 45 service counters. The centre was designed to provide both consular and attestation services, with the aim of significantly reducing waiting times for applicants.
In Dubai, Alhind has another CPV application centre in Dubai Investment Park (DIP). The company’s other centres are located in Al Danah, Al Reem, Musaffah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Al Majaz, Rolla, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Khorfakkan, Kalba and Ras Al Khaimah.
For the first time, a centre will also be established in Gayathi, in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. The facility is expected to benefit the large Indian community living and working around the Ruwais area.
Legal tussle
Alhind was awarded the contract earlier this year following a competitive bidding process held in November 2025, after the Embassy of India announced plans to replace BLS, which had managed passport, visa and consular services since 2011.
The company emerged as the lowest bidder among four shortlisted firms. However, the transition has been delayed due to a legal challenge over the contract before the Delhi High Court in India.
Two unsuccessful bidders, who did not qualify for the final stage of the process, have challenged the decision, alleging that they were excluded from the technical evaluation round without adequate justification. The court is expected to deliver its verdict soon.
Passport services
While the legal proceedings continue, Indian missions in the UAE have temporarily resumed handling consular services directly through an appointment-based system. Previously, many services were available through walk-in visits.
The Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi announced that online appointments became mandatory from Monday for accessing consular services.
Applicants must schedule appointments in advance through the official booking portal.
The consulate has witnessed a significant surge in demand due to the peak summer travel season, with more than 1,000 people visiting for consular services on most days.
