New Indian Passport Centers in UAE Remain Vacant Amid Legal Impasse
Despite being fully equipped and ready for operation, Alhind Global Services' new passport and consular centers across the UAE remain eerily quiet. Facilities, including a massive 12,000-square-foot site at UW Mall, stand empty with idle desks and vacant waiting areas rather than serving the anticipated crowds. This widespread shutdown is the direct result of an ongoing legal battle in the Delhi High Court, where two unsuccessful bidders have challenged the contract award, claiming they were unfairly disqualified during the competitive bidding process.
While the court deliberates on the contract transition—which was intended to replace the long-standing services of BLS—Indian expatriates are facing significant disruptions. In response to the standstill, the Indian Embassy and the Consulate General of India have shifted to an appointment-only system to manage the high demand triggered by the peak summer travel season. Applicants are now required to secure a slot through the official online portal to receive services, as officials scramble to manage a daily influx of over 1,000 people at mission offices until the legal dispute is resolved.