Embassy’ move to outsource passport services draws flak

[sajiv]

Embassy' move to outsource passport services draws flak

Dubai: The outsourcing of consulate services by the Indian missions here has come under fire, drawing flak from many Indians who seek new passports or to renew the expiring ones.

The applicants have complained that they were unhappy with the new arrangement as some of them had to come and wait as early as 0400 hrs, the Khaleej Times said.

Currently, Indian Passport and Visa Services Centre (IPAVSC) in Sharjah is the only one accepting applications from Indians living in Sharjah after the nationwide service was outsourced to UAE postal agency, Empost in February to avoid overcrowding on the premises of Indian diplomatic missions.

Prior to that, Sharjah applicants used to depend on the Indian Association Sharjah or go directly to the Indian Consulate in Dubai to submit their applications.

Some applicants said the lack of a token dispenser forced them to reach the centre as early as 0400 hrs to queue up for receiving a token at 0700 hrs. Since only 100 tokens are given a day, many have to visit the centre several times to be lucky.

Applicants also complained about delay in processing applications, lack of typing services attached to the centre, the cramped waiting area and difficulty in reaching the place due to road constructions in the area.

When contacted, CEO of Empost Sultan Al Midfa said the token dispenser at the Sharjah centre would be ready in a few days as the supplier has to import stocks from overseas.

The Indian missions in UAE have been the richest with revenues of about Dh 50000 (Rs five lakh) or more daily in Dubai alone.

Categories : International