Indian Passport & Visa Services Suspended in UAE: 3 Emergency Channels to Use If You Need Urgent Renewal This Week

The Ministry of External Affairs in UAE is switching from the old network of providers to a new network, which would temporarily suspend passport, visa and attestation services for Indian nationals in the UAE. The suspension will be in effect between June 26 to June 30, 2026.

The move follows the Indian government’s deconscription of its consular activities under a single provider and comes at a time when BLS International and SGIVS Global cease to serve as the government’s service providers. Applications for routine are suspended and emergency applications are available via specific channels set up by Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE.

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Why Are Indian Consular Services Temporarily Suspended?

The five-day ban is due to Alhind Tours and Travels LLC’s (ATT) takeover of the passport, visa and attestation services. New applications for the existing application centers that are currently run by the BLS International and SGIVS Global will no longer be accepted after June 25, 2026.

On July 1, 2026, Alhind will officially start operations in an expanded network that spans across all seven emirates. The new system will facilitate the delivery of services and make them safer for the UAE’s sizable Indian community.

Who Is Most Affected by the Suspension?

Residents in need of getting their passports urgently during the transition period are at risk of having their services disrupted, as the temporary closure may occur for them.

Those with immediate travel needs or urgently required medical attendance or residency papers to be renewed, as well as any family emergency others may have, should get in touch with emergency contacts preceding the usual services reopening.

Emergency Channel 1: Unified Toll-Free Consular Helpline

The Indian nationals seeking immediate help/notification for eligibility, may call the Embassy of India / CGITV Toll Free helpline. 

Helpline Number: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)

This service is available to offer suggestions on emergency passport renewals, travel documentation requirements, and guidance regarding procedures for applying for direct consular assistance while the suspension period is in effect.

Emergency Channel 2: Dedicated WhatsApp Support

Authorities with critical documentation requirements that need immediate updates or explanation may contact the official police emergency-WhatsApp service.

WhatsApp Number: +971 54 309 0571

This channel is ideal for travelers or users who need answers quickly for emergencies, appointment bookings, the verification of documents and other queries.

Emergency Channel 3: Official Consular Email Desk

Letters with supporting documents like medical reports, bereavement certificates and urgent flight itineraries may be sent directly through the official consular email channel.

Email Address: [email protected]

The more clearly there is evidence of the emergency situation, the more easily consulate officials can determine eligibility for expedited processing or direct walk-in appointments.

What Changes on July 1, 2026?

Following the restart of services Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will be the only place to avail Indian passport/visa/attestation services in the UAE. The new network will be run through 16 centers strategically placed throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Al Ain. 

The government has also implemented a maximum service fee of Dh19, apart from the usual government charges to ensure that applicants do not have to pay too much in processing charges.

Benefits of the New Alhind Network

The additional facilities are anticipated to enhance accessibility, shorten time for filing of applications as well as increase the number of appointments offered nationally.

The main centre in Bur Dubai would be one of the biggest centres for consular services by Indians in the region, and smaller centres would be spread throughout the smaller Emirates to meet the needs of people outside the larger cities.

FAQs

Why is the process of passport services in India halted in the UAE?

Due to a transition in Indian Passport/visa/attestation services to a new service provider with Alhind Tours and Travels LLC, there is a temporary suspension which will take place from June 26 to June 30, 2026.

May I renew my passport during the suspension period?

Beware of no renewal of routine passport applications. In case of an emergency, cases could be dealt with directly with the Indian Embassy and Consulate through the designated channels, however.

Which is the Emergency Helpline for Indians in the UAE?

Contacts for urgent consular issues are available through 24-hour service in the official Emergency helpline – 800 46342 (800 INDIA).

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