Indian Passport Services in UAE: Delhi High Court Cancels Alhind Tender, What It Means for Applicants

Millions of Indians living in the UAE rely on passport, visa, attestation, and other consular services every year. A major development on 15 July 2026 has created fresh uncertainty after the Delhi High Court cancelled the contract awarded to Alhind Tours and Travels LLC for managing Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) in the UAE.

The court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to conduct a fresh tender process, while also allowing existing arrangements to continue temporarily so that public services are not disrupted.

If you are planning to renew your passport, apply for a new passport, complete document attestation, or access any Indian consular service in the UAE, this article explains what has happened, what it means for applicants, and what you should do next.

What Happened?

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi had awarded a contract to Alhind Tours and Travels LLC to operate Indian passport, visa, attestation, and other consular services across the UAE through newly established Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs).

The company was expected to begin operations from 1 July 2026.

However, the implementation was delayed after competing bidders challenged the technical evaluation process before the Delhi High Court.

On 15 July 2026, the High Court ruled that the technical evaluation process could not be sustained in law and cancelled the awarded contract. The court also ordered the government to issue fresh Requests for Proposal (RFPs) within one month for the UAE, Kuwait, Singapore, and Canberra missions.

Why Was the Contract Cancelled?

The case was filed by E Trav Tech Limited and Verasys Systems, which challenged the technical evaluation conducted during the bidding process.

According to the court:

• The technical evaluation process was legally unsustainable.

• The awarded contracts based on that evaluation were therefore cancelled.

• A fresh tender process must now be conducted.

It is important to note that the judgment does not concern the quality of services provided by Alhind. Instead, it relates to how the tender evaluation was carried out.

Which Countries Are Affected?

The decision affects Indian diplomatic missions in:

• United Arab Emirates

• Kuwait

• Singapore

• Canberra (Australia)

Fresh tenders will now be issued for all four locations.

What Happens to Passport Services in the UAE Now?

One of the biggest concerns among Indian expatriates is whether passport services will stop.

Fortunately, the answer is no.

The Delhi High Court specifically stated that existing arrangements may continue until the new procurement process is completed to ensure that public services are not interrupted.

Who Will Handle Passport Services During This Period?

This is where things become slightly complicated.

Before 1 July 2026:

• BLS International managed passport services.

• SGIVS Global Services handled attestation services.

After their contracts expired, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai temporarily began providing passport, visa, attestation, and miscellaneous consular services directly from their own premises.

The High Court mentioned that "existing incumbents" may continue providing services until a fresh tender is completed. However, the judgment does not clearly specify whether this refers to:

• BLS International and SGIVS, or

• The Indian Embassy and Consulate, which are currently handling the services.

The final decision on interim operations will be made by the relevant authorities.

How Can Applicants Apply for Passport Services Now?

At present, applicants should continue following the official procedures announced by the Indian Embassy and Consulate.

Current arrangements include:

• Booking appointments through the official online portal.

• Limited walk-in services at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

• Appointment-only services at the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Applicants should avoid relying on unofficial information circulating on social media and instead monitor official announcements for updates.

Services That Continue to Be Available

Although the service provider arrangement is changing, essential consular services continue.

These include:

• Passport renewal

• Fresh passport applications

• Passport reissue

• Visa services

• Document attestation

• Birth certificate services

• Miscellaneous consular services

• Emergency passport assistance

Processing times may vary depending on demand and administrative arrangements.

What Should Applicants Do Before Visiting?

To avoid delays, applicants should prepare all required documents in advance.

A typical checklist includes:

• Valid passport (if applicable)

• Passport-sized photographs

• Application forms

• Emirates ID

• UAE residence visa copy

• Supporting documents relevant to the requested service

• Applicable fees

Requirements differ depending on the service, so always verify the latest guidelines before your appointment.

Will This Delay Passport Processing?

Some applicants may experience slightly longer waiting times due to the ongoing transition.

Possible reasons include:

• Increased demand at Embassy and Consulate offices

• Limited appointment availability

• Administrative adjustments

• High volume of applications

However, the Indian government has indicated that arrangements are being made to minimize inconvenience to applicants.

Practical Advice for Indian Expats

If you need passport or consular services soon, consider the following tips:

Apply Early

Avoid waiting until your passport is about to expire.

Keep Copies of Documents

Maintain digital and printed copies of important documents.

Follow Official Updates

Check announcements from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Book Appointments Promptly

Appointment slots may fill quickly during the transition period.

Avoid Unverified Information

Only rely on official government communication regarding service changes.

How Right Time Group Can Help

Although passport issuance remains under the authority of the Government of India and its authorized service providers, preparing documentation correctly can make the application process much smoother.

At Right Time Group, we assist clients with various documentation-related services in the UAE, including:

• Application guidance

• Document preparation

• Certificate attestation

• Legal translation

• Visa assistance

• Government documentation support

Our team stays updated with the latest procedural changes, helping applicants understand documentation requirements before visiting the Embassy or Consulate.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry of External Affairs will now begin a fresh procurement process for outsourcing consular services.

Until a new service provider is officially selected and announced, applicants should continue using the current arrangements established by the Indian Embassy and Consulate.

While the recent court ruling has changed the outsourcing process, Indian passport and consular services remain available, ensuring that essential public services continue without interruption.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court's decision to cancel Alhind's tender represents an important legal development in the administration of Indian consular services overseas. However, for Indian residents in the UAE, the most important point is that passport, visa, and attestation services continue through temporary arrangements while the government completes a fresh tender process.

Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead, prepare their documents carefully, and follow official announcements for the latest updates.

For those requiring assistance with documentation, attestation, legal translation, or related government procedures, professional guidance can help make the process simpler and more efficient.