The temporary suspension of Indian visa, passport and consular services across Australia appears to be linked to legal proceedings over VFS Global’s newly awarded outsourcing contract, although applicants are still waiting for confirmation on when services will resume.
VFS Global suspended all Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Citizen of India services across Australia on 1 July, leaving thousands of applicants unable to lodge new applications.
The Indian Sun understands the disruption is connected to court proceedings in India concerning the implementation of VFS Global’s recently awarded contract to continue providing Indian visa, passport and consular services in Australia.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter, who were not authorised to speak publicly, said an interim court order has temporarily delayed the rollout of the renewed contract while legal proceedings continue.
The Indian Sun has been unable to independently verify all aspects of the legal proceedings and has sought comment from VFS Global and the High Commission of India.
VFS Global has provided Indian visa and consular outsourcing services in Australia for approximately 18 years.
According to notices published by VFS Global, additional staff have been deployed to assist applicants during the suspension.
The company has also advised that passports and other documents that had already been processed before the suspension remain available for collection.
Applicants whose documents are currently being processed have been told their applications will either continue once services resume or, where necessary, they may request the return of their passports through VFS Global.
No timeframe has been announced for services to recommence.
The Indian Sun understands there is optimism among people familiar with the matter that the temporary interruption may be resolved once the legal proceedings are dealt with, although no official confirmation has been provided.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
