Indian Missions Continue Limited Consular Services
India has clarified that its missions in Australia, Kuwait and the UAE are continuing limited consular services, even as outsourced passport, visa and consular operations remain on hold due to an ongoing legal matter.
Indian Missions Continue Consular Services
The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions in the three countries have not stopped functioning and continue to provide limited consular support. The clarification came after reports suggested that consular services had been suspended in Australia, Kuwait and the UAE.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the missions remain operational for essential requirements. He clarified that the issue concerns outsourced agencies that assist Indian missions with passport, visa and consular services.
Outsourced Consular Operations Put On Hold
The operations of outsourcing agencies handling consular work have been kept on hold because the matter is sub judice. The government is awaiting further directions from the High Court before normal outsourced services can resume.
The temporary disruption has affected routine services handled through private service providers. Applicants in these countries have been advised to approach Indian missions directly for emergency or essential consular assistance.
Passport And Visa Services Await Court Directions
In Australia, outsourced Consular, Passport and Visa services have remained suspended from July 1 until further notice. Applications already submitted are expected to remain pending until services resume, while passports ready for collection will continue to be returned through the existing process.
The UAE has also seen disruption due to the planned transition to a new outsourced service provider. However, Indian diplomatic missions remain available for limited services. The MEA has said normal operations will depend on the court’s further directions.
