Indian Embassy UAE Suspends Regular Consular Services 26–30 June 2026: Full Transition to Al Hind Tours – What You Need to Know

The Indian Embassy in the UAE has announced a temporary suspension of regular consular services

Dubai/Abu Dhabi, 21 June 2026 — The Indian Embassy in the UAE has announced a temporary suspension of regular consular services, including passport, visa, and attestation appointments, from 26 June to 30 June 2026. This five-day pause is part of a major transition to a new service provider, Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC, which will take over all outsourced consular services starting 1 July 2026.

The change affects over 3.5 million Indian expatriates in the UAE — nearly 40% of the country’s population — making it one of the largest consular service overhauls in the region in recent years.

Why the Suspension is Happening

The current service providers — BLS International (for passports and visas) and SGIVS Global (for attestation) — will stop accepting new applications after the close of business on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The five-day window allows for a smooth handover to Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC.

This transition is designed to deliver:

• 16 dedicated service centers across all seven emirates

• Faster processing times

• Modern infrastructure (the largest centre in Bur Dubai will span 12,000 sq ft with over 45 counters)

• Affordable and transparent pricing: Dh19 all-inclusive service fee + mandatory government charges

Important Dates You Must Know

• Last day for regular appointments: 25 June 2026 (close of business)

• Suspension period: 26 June – 30 June 2026 (no regular appointments)

• New provider starts: 1 July 2026

• New appointment portal: Will be launched by Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC shortly before 1 July

Emergency Consular Services During Suspension

The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India, Dubai will continue to handle emergency cases directly. Contact options:

• Toll-Free Number: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)

• WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571

• Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

Only genuine emergencies (lost/stolen passports, urgent travel, medical cases, etc.) will be processed during the suspension period.

What This Means for Indian Nationals in the UAE

Positive Changes Expected from 1 July:

• Significantly more service centres (16 across UAE)

• Reduced waiting times through better infrastructure

• Streamlined digital appointment system

• Transparent and lower service fees

During the Transition (26–30 June):

• No regular passport, visa, or attestation appointments

• Only emergency services available

• Plan ahead if your passport or documents are expiring soon

Practical Advice for Indian Expatriates

1. Check Your Documents Now — If you need any consular service in the next few weeks, submit your application before 25 June 2026.

2. Prepare for Emergencies — Save the toll-free number and WhatsApp contact in your phone.

3. Monitor Official Channels — Follow the Indian Embassy UAE and Consulate Dubai social media pages for updates on the new Al Hind portal launch.

4. Book Appointments Early from July — Demand is expected to be high in the first weeks of the new system.

5. Use the Transition Period Wisely — Update your contact details and complete any pending requirements.

Background: Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC

Al Hind Group, founded in Kerala in 1992, has been operating in the UAE since 1995. The company has extensive experience in travel, IT, foreign exchange, and consular services. This new mandate makes them the sole outsourced provider for Indian consular services across the UAE.

How to Prepare for the New System (From 1 July 2026)

• Visit the new Al Hind portal once launched

• Book appointments online for passport renewal, visa services, attestation, etc.

• Visit one of the 16 centres if needed (major hubs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, etc.)

• Carry all required original documents and copies

Official Resources:

• Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

• Consulate General of India, Dubai

• Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC (new provider from July 1)

For the latest UAE visa updates, Indian consular services news, passport renewal guidance, and 2026 immigration developments for Indian nationals, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/uae or visasupdate.com/news