Indian passport holders and visa applicants living in the UAE are about to experience a major change in how consular services are delivered. After months of anticipation following the announcement that BLS International would be replaced, Al Hind Tours and Travels has now officially revealed the locations of its 16 new Indian consular service centers across the UAE, along with a launch date and updated service fee.
Summary of Key Facts:
New service provider: Al Hind Tours and Travels
Launch date: 1st July 2026
BLS International continues: Until 30th June 2026
Total new centers: 16 across UAE
Service fee: AED 19 (all-inclusive, covers biometrics and photocopying)
Coverage: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Ras Al Khaimah
What Is Changing and Why
The Indian Embassy in the UAE had previously authorized BLS International to handle passport renewal and other consular services on its behalf. However, following widespread complaints about service quality, wait times, and overall efficiency, the contract is being transferred to Al Hind Tours and Travels, a Kerala-based organization with a strong track record in travel and government-related services.
This transition is being seen as a welcome move by a large segment of the UAE’s Indian expatriate community, which numbers in the millions and frequently requires passport renewals, emergency certificates, and other consular assistance.
When Will Al Hind Services Begin?
Al Hind Tours and Travels will officially begin operations on 1st July 2026. Until that date, BLS International will continue to provide all existing Indian consular services without interruption. This ensures there will be no gap in services for applicants during the transition period.
The 16 New Al Hind Indian Consular Service Centers in UAE
One of the biggest highlights of the Al Hind announcement is the expanded geographic coverage. A total of 16 centers will be established across the UAE, making it significantly more convenient for Indians living in all seven emirates to access consular services.
- Dubai (2 centers): Bur Dubai and Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
- Abu Dhabi (6 centers): Al Khalidiya, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, and Al Ain
- Sharjah (2 centers): Al Majaz and Rolla
- Northern Emirates (6 centers): Al Jurf (Ajman), Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Khor Fakkan (Corniche), Kalba, and Ras Al Khaimah
This wide spread of locations is a significant improvement over the previous arrangement, particularly for Indians residing in the Northern Emirates, who had previously faced long travel distances to access consular services.
New Service Fee: AED 19 All-Inclusive
Another major update from Al Hind is the introduction of a simplified, all-inclusive service fee of AED 19. This single charge will cover all services provided at the center, including biometric photo capture and photocopying. The transparent, flat-rate pricing eliminates the confusion and complaints that often arose from multiple or hidden charges under the previous system.
What Services Will Be Available?
The Al Hind centers are expected to handle the full range of Indian consular services that were previously managed by BLS International, including:
Indian passport renewal applications, new passport applications, emergency certificate issuance, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card applications, and document attestation services.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you currently have a pending application with BLS International, there is no need to panic. Services will continue uninterrupted through BLS until 30th June 2026. From 1st July 2026, all new appointments and submissions will be handled through Al Hind’s network of 16 centers.
Indians living in the UAE are advised to keep an eye on official announcements from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai for further updates on how to book appointments at the new Al Hind centers.
Why This Matters for UAE’s Indian Community
The UAE is home to approximately 3.5 million Indians, making it one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the world. With such a massive population regularly needing consular services, having a well-distributed, affordable, and efficient service network is critical. The expansion to 16 centers, especially in underserved areas like the Northern Emirates and outer Abu Dhabi regions, is a step in the right direction.
The shift to Al Hind Tours and Travels, combined with the straightforward AED 19 fee and wider center coverage, signals a clear intent by the Indian authorities to improve the consular experience for its citizens living abroad.
