According to local media, Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now be able to submit passport and visa applications every day, including Sundays. On January 22, 2023, BLS International Service, an Indian company that provides outsourcing services to government agencies and diplomatic missions, will begin operating seven days a week. BLS is a specialized service provider with a global presence in over 20 countries. Every day, applications for passport and visa services can be submitted at three locations in Dubai and Sharjah. With the exception of local government holidays, the consular center will be open all year for consular services. During the month of Ramadan, however, the service will be suspended on Sundays (March 23 to June 22).

“I reiterate our commitment to working for your health and well-being. To that end, the overseas service provider for passport and visa services has been open seven days a week since last week.” The Indian consul general, Dr. Aman Puri, was quoted in the Khaleej Times. Aside from Tatkal cases, emergency situations (medical treatment, death), and senior citizens, applicants can only submit their online-filled applications and other supporting documents by appointment on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Applicants must schedule an appointment with the BLS. 

Because of the counsel’s “open-door policy,” any Indian national may visit the consulate to file a complaint about any topic without an appointment or advance notice, according to Dr Puri. According to previous reports in the local media, Dubai residents can now submit visa applications via video conferencing. On January 11, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) launched the new service. 

If visa officers discover an incomplete or confusing document, or if they need more information from the applicant before issuing the visa, they can use the new service. When communicating with the administrator via video call, users can use the chat box to upload necessary files and images.

According to Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the service can be used to issue and renew any type of visa. Tourist, student, green, and golden visas, as well as residency visas, are all included.