Indian Embassy Introduces Temporary Walk-In Consular Services During UAE Transition

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have started offering limited walk-in consular services from July 2.

The temporary arrangement comes as the UAE transitions to a new outsourced provider for Indian passport, visa and consular services.

The change affects millions of Indian residents across the Emirates who rely on these services for passports, visas, attestations and other documentation.

The Indian diplomatic mission in the UAE has introduced temporary walk-in consular services following the transition to a new outsourced provider for passport, visa and attestation applications.

The move comes after Al Hind Tours and Travels LLC officially took over as the new outsourced service provider for Indian passport, visa and consular services across the UAE from July 1, replacing the previous operators. The temporary arrangement is designed to ensure that essential services remain available while the new system and service centres become fully operational.

For the UAE’s large Indian community, the announcement provides a short-term solution during an important transition period.

Why the temporary walk-in service has been introduced?

According to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, the transition to a new service provider required a temporary suspension of regular appointment-based services between June 26 and June 30.

During this period, emergency services continued to be handled directly by the Embassy and Consulate.

From July 2 onwards, applicants requiring passport, visa, attestation and certain miscellaneous consular services can visit the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai on a walk-in basis. Services are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis during designated morning hours.

The Embassy has clarified that this arrangement is temporary and further updates regarding the migration to the new provider will be announced through official channels.

A major change for the UAE’s Indian community

The transition is significant because the UAE is home to one of the largest Indian communities outside India.

According to figures frequently cited by Indian diplomatic authorities and UAE government entities, more than four million Indians live and work across the Emirates. The community forms the largest expatriate population in the country and contributes across sectors including construction, healthcare, retail, technology, education, hospitality and finance.

As a result, passport renewals, visa applications, document attestations and other consular services are in constant demand throughout the year.

The appointment of Al Hind Tours and Travels LLC follows a tendering and selection process conducted by the Indian mission in the UAE. The company will now oversee acceptance and processing of passport, visa and consular applications across the country.

New service centres expected across all seven emirates

One of the biggest developments linked to the transition is the planned expansion of service accessibility.

Earlier announcements indicated that Al Hind intends to establish a network of dedicated centres across all seven emirates. This is expected to improve access for applicants living outside major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The wider network could help reduce travel times for residents in northern emirates and create a more convenient application process for passport renewals, attestations and visa-related services.

For many Indian residents, especially workers and families living in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, the expansion could make consular services significantly more accessible in the future.

What applicants should know before visiting?

The Embassy has advised applicants to visit in person with completed application forms and all required supporting documents.

Applicants should also note that cash payments are currently being accepted for these temporary services. Authorities have encouraged visitors to carry the exact service fee amount wherever possible to help speed up processing.

To manage crowds, entry is generally restricted to applicants only. Exceptions may apply in cases involving minors where parents or guardians are required to be present.

Officials have also urged applicants to monitor announcements from the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai for updates on appointment systems, service centres and operating procedures under the new provider.

Why this matters for UAE residents?

Although the temporary walk-in arrangement may cause some inconvenience compared to regular appointment-based services, it helps prevent a complete disruption during the handover process.

The transition is part of a broader effort to modernise and streamline consular services for one of the largest overseas Indian populations in the world.

As government services increasingly move towards digital platforms and integrated service centres, applicants can expect further updates regarding online appointments, processing systems and expanded service availability in the coming weeks.

For Indian nationals planning passport renewals, family sponsorship documentation, attestations or visa-related applications, staying informed about official announcements will be important throughout the transition period.

FAQs

Q: Why are Indian consular services operating on a walk-in basis?

A: The temporary arrangement has been introduced during the transition to a new outsourced service provider for passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE.

Q: Who is the new service provider for Indian consular services in the UAE?

A: Al Hind Tours and Travels LLC has been appointed as the new outsourced provider from July 1, 2026.

Q: What services are currently available?

A: Limited passport, visa, attestation and miscellaneous consular services are being offered through temporary walk-in arrangements.

Q: Can applicants pay by card?

A: The current temporary process accepts cash payments. Applicants are advised to carry the exact service fee amount where possible.

Q: Will appointment-based services return?

A: Yes. The Indian mission has stated that further details regarding migration to the new provider and future service arrangements will be announced through official channels.

The launch of temporary walk-in consular services ensures that essential passport, visa and attestation applications remain available during the transition to a new service provider in the UAE. While the arrangement is temporary, it marks the beginning of a larger overhaul that could eventually improve access to Indian consular services across all seven emirates.

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