Indian Passport Services in UAE: Delhi High Court Cancels Alhind Tender, Fresh Bidding Ordered

The Delhi High Court has set aside the contract awarded to Alhind Tours and Travels LLC for managing Indian passport, visa, and attestation services in the UAE. The decision follows legal challenges over the technical evaluation process used during the tender, with the court ruling that the evaluation could not be sustained under law.

The judgment not only affects the UAE but also extends to similar outsourcing contracts for Indian Consular, Passport, and Visa (CPV) services in Kuwait, Singapore, and Canberra (Australia). As a result, the Ministry of External Affairs has been directed to issue fresh Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for all four missions within one month and complete the selection process as quickly as possible.

What Led to the Court’s Decision?

The case was brought before the Delhi High Court by companies that challenged the transparency and fairness of the technical evaluation process. The petitioners argued that they were neither informed of their scores nor provided clear reasons for their disqualification.

After reviewing the matter, the court ruled that the technical evaluation process was legally flawed. Consequently, the tenders awarded to the successful bidders, including Alhind in the UAE, were declared invalid.

What Happens to Passport and Visa Services Now?

While the court suggested that the existing service providers may continue operating during the interim period, it did not specifically direct that BLS International or SGIVS Global Services should immediately resume operations.

Since July 2, following the expiry of the previous outsourcing contracts, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai have been handling passport and consular services directly through appointment-based and limited walk-in systems. The court’s wording leaves it to the Indian authorities to decide whether to continue with this temporary arrangement or allow the previous service providers to return until a new tender is finalized.

Current Process for Applicants

At present, applicants seeking Indian passport, visa, attestation, or other consular services in the UAE must continue booking appointments through the official online portal provided by the Indian missions.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi continues to accept limited walk-in applicants during designated morning hours on weekdays, while the Indian Consulate in Dubai currently operates strictly through prior appointments.

Fresh Tender Process Begins

The Ministry of External Affairs has now been instructed to begin a completely new procurement process for consular service providers across all four affected countries. Until a new service provider is selected through the revised tender process, temporary arrangements will remain in place to ensure uninterrupted public services for Indian citizens.

The decision is expected to impact millions of Indian expatriates in the UAE who rely on these centres for passport renewals, visa applications, attestation services, and other essential consular requirements. Further clarification from the Indian Embassy and Consulate regarding interim service arrangements is expected in the coming days.