India’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi awarded Kerala-based Alhind Group a multi-year outsourcing contract to manage consular support services for more than four million Indians living in the UAE. Beginning July 1, Alhind will officially replace BLS International, which has handled Indian consular services in the UAE since 2011.

The company will launch 16 centres across all seven emirates, including smaller cities such as Al Ain, Kalba and Khor Fakkan, in one of the largest overhauls of Indian consular operations in the Gulf.

The centres will process passport renewals, OCI cards, police clearance certificates and Indian visa applications, alongside apostille, attestation and Global Entry verification services.

A flat Dh19 service fee above government charges will be applicable when using a new digital back-office system aimed at reducing processing times.

Locations of centres

The locations of all 16 centres. Abu Dhabi will have six branches located in Al Khalidiya, Al Reem Island, Musaffah, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi and Al Ain.

Dubai will be served by centres in Bur Dubai and Dubai Investment Park (DIP), while Sharjah will have locations in Al Majaz and Rolla. Additional centres will operate in Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.

The Indian Embassy has advised applicants to monitor official channels for updated document checklists and transition procedures. Existing BLS appointments scheduled after June 30 are expected to be shifted automatically to the nearest Alhind centre.

The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has issued a warning over a growing number of scams involving fake QR codes, especially those sent through email.

According to the authority, cybercriminals are exploiting how quickly information spreads by sharing QR codes that appear to offer urgent updates or important services. However, scanning these codes can expose users to serious risks.

DESC explained that such QR codes may install malware on devices or redirect users to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

How to protect your device

Residents are being urged to stay cautious by verifying the source of any email before scanning QR codes, avoiding suspicious messages, and never entering sensitive details on untrusted links.

To boost online safety, DESC also recommends using the RZAM app, which provides real-time alerts about unsafe websites and allows users to scan links before opening them.

The Union Budget 2026-27 has opened up new opportunities for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking to invest and participate in India’s growth story. From equity ownership to real estate and tax incentives, here’s what NRIs need to know:

Higher Equity Ownership Limits

• Individual NRI investors can now hold up to 10% in listed Indian companies, double the previous limit of 5%.
• The aggregate NRI ownership limit increases from 10% to 24%, allowing greater influence in high-growth sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.
• This reform makes India’s capital markets more accessible and attractive for global Indian investors.

Simplified Real Estate Transactions

• NRIs buying property from Indian residents no longer need a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) to deduct tax at source, reducing compliance burdens.

Tax Incentives for NRIs

• Five-year tax exemption for overseas income earned by NRIs visiting India under government-notified schemes.
• Exclusion of certain non-resident businesses under presumptive taxation from Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT).
• Time-bound relief measures for small taxpayers with foreign assets or legacy non-disclosures, enabling voluntary compliance.

Why It Matters

• Increased ownership gives NRIs more influence and strategic control in Indian companies.
• Simplified regulations reduce compliance headaches for both investments and real estate transactions.
• Encourages deeper NRI participation in India’s fast-growing economy.

NRI Action Points:

• Review your portfolio exposure and consider increasing stakes in Indian equities.
• Work with financial advisors familiar with NRI rules to ensure compliance.
• Diversify across sectors while monitoring currency and tax implications.

India is signalling confidence in the global Indian diaspora by making it easier to invest and participate in the country’s economic growth. NRIs now have a clear pathway to take a larger stake in Indian companies, own property with ease, and enjoy tax benefits, making this a pivotal moment for global Indian investors.