Thousands of Indian expatriates in the UAE are still waiting for their passport renewals, visa services and other consular assistance as India's new consular service provider on Tuesday postponed its launch amid an ongoing legal battle in Indian courts.

The Indian government had awarded the new outsourcing contract for consular services in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Australia to Alhind Tours & Travels (AHT), following a competitive bidding process. The switch was initially planned for July 1, 2026, and has now been administratively postponed. On the other hand, the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai and Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi had also launched limited consular services from 2 July.

Why Has the Rollout Been Delayed?

The postponement comes after a legal challenge from two unsuccessful bidders who allege they were incorrectly disqualified during the technical assessment process.

Main Points of the legal battle

• Meanwhile, bids from two bidders have been disputed in Indian courts against the tender process.

• They claim they were disqualified for insufficient reasons.

• The petitioners alleged that the process of assessment was not free, fair and transparent.

• They say their technical scores were arbitrary despite complying with the tender requirements.

Court Proceedings Continue

The Delhi High Court was also the place where the case came up first, allowing the transition to proceed but adjourning further hearings. The unsuccessful bidders then moved the Supreme Court of India on Monday, contending that retaining the handing over till after such review is necessary to avoid irretrievable consequences if it is found at a later date that there were infirmities in the tender process.

Current situation:

• The apex court had told the Delhi high court to hear the matter on an urgent basis.

• Since the original judge recused himself, a special bench is likely to hear the case.

• The court ruling could either facilitate the rollout, extend it further or send it back for a new analysis of the tender.

Limited Services Continue for Applicants

Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE are giving minimal walk-in consular services on a first-come-first-served basis until the legality of such matters is addressed.

Services currently available include:

• Passport applications and renewals

• Visa services

• Document attestation

The application process is open between 9 am and 12:30 pm, but numerous Indian expats have been left with no clarity as they are still awaiting finalisation of the new consular service provider.

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