The previous service provider, BLS International, has been permitted to continue temporarily until the new tender process is completed.
The Delhi High Court has set aside the tender awarded to Alhind Tours & Travels for outsourced Indian consular services and directed the Ministry of External Affairs to begin a fresh tendering process.
The decision could add to the delays currently being faced by Indian expatriates seeking passport renewals and other consular services in the UAE.
The ruling covers outsourced consular services at the Indian Mission in Abu Dhabi, as well as Indian missions in Kuwait, Singapore and Australia.
The court’s decision followed petitions filed by two companies that were disqualified during the technical evaluation stage of the tendering process. According to the ruling, the authorities had failed to disclose the basis on which marks were awarded to the participating bidders.
As a result, the tender awarded to Alhind Tours & Travels has been cancelled. The Ministry of External Affairs has been directed to issue fresh Requests for Proposal for the affected missions within one month.
BLS International, which previously handled passport and related consular services, has been allowed to continue operating temporarily until the fresh tendering process is concluded and a new service provider is appointed.
The development comes amid ongoing delays in passport renewal and other consular services for Indian residents in the UAE.
