Indian Embassy warns against paying agents for visa services after ending BLS, SGIVS contracts
Members of the public are strongly advised not to pay any money to BLS International, SGIVS Global, or any individual/agency claiming to facilitate appointments on the Embassy's/Consulate's behalf
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Immigration · UAE
- What to do
- Residents must book appointments for passport, visa, and attestation services directly through the official Embassy/Consulate appointment portal and must not pay any third-party agents or intermediaries.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE has issued an advisory warning the public against paying money to agents claiming to provide visa or attestation services. BLS International and SGIVS Global are no longer the outsourced service providers as of July 1, 2026. Passport, visa, and attestation services are now handled directly by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai from their own premises. Residents should not pay any third party for these services, which can be booked directly through the official appointment portal at no cost. Any entity, agent, or individual claiming authorization from the Embassy or Consulate is unauthorized. Residents who have been misled or overcharged should report the matter through official contact channels. Alhind Global Services was awarded the contract to replace BLS starting July 1, 2026, but the transition has been delayed due to a legal dispute in India's Delhi High Court filed by two unsuccessful bidders.
Source
Reported by: Khaleej Times 10 Jul 2026 Read the original ↗ More from Khaleej Times →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
Residents must book appointments for passport, visa, and attestation services directly through the official Embassy/Consulate appointment portal and must not pay any third-party agents or intermediaries.
Who reported this?
Khaleej Times (UAE).
When was it announced?
10 Jul 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at Khaleej Times: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/indian-embassy-residents-warns-unauthorized-agents-service-provider
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