With the transition to Alhind Group as the new consular service provider for the Indian Embassy in the UAE just weeks away, preparations are in full swing to support the nation’s four-million-strong Indian community. The company plans to launch 16 dedicated centres across all emirates, including major hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, by July 1. These facilities aim to streamline the application process, with a flagship centre in Bur Dubai featuring over 45 counters to drastically reduce wait times. Alhind has emphasized that its primary goal is to ensure accessibility and affordability, noting that services for newborns will be available as walk-ins, while specialized, Arabic-speaking staff will be on hand to assist Emirati citizens with visa documentation.

Beyond standard operations, Alhind is looking toward the future by testing an innovative service that could allow Indian expatriates to renew their passports from the comfort of their own homes. By leveraging new technology, the company aims to facilitate online document submission and mobile biometric collection, though this feature is currently in a promising pilot phase. To support this massive undertaking, over 400 staff members have been recruited. The group has also pledged to keep costs minimal, capping their additional service fees at Dh19 to cover essentials like photocopying and photography, ensuring that consular services remain both efficient and budget-friendly for the public.