Australian residents seeking Indian visas, passport renewals and Overseas Citizen of India services remain caught in a legal dispute in India that has delayed the restart of VFS Global’s consular operations across Australia.
VFS Global temporarily suspended Consular, Passport and Visa services in Australia from 1 July, leaving applicants unable to lodge new applications for Indian visas, passport services, OCI cards and related consular documents.
The Indian Sun understands the disruption is linked to proceedings before the Delhi High Court concerning outsourced consular service contracts awarded by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
VFS Global, a private outsourcing company that handles administrative processing for governments and diplomatic missions, is not understood to be a party to the legal proceedings.
Sources familiar with the matter said the dispute began with a challenge by an unsuccessful bidder in relation to a separate consular outsourcing tender in the United Arab Emirates. The case is understood to have affected the implementation of other contracts, including Australia, despite the procurement processes being separate.
In Australia, VFS Global had been preparing to begin operations under a renewed contract from 1 July. The company has provided Indian visa and consular outsourcing services in Australia for nearly two decades.
In Australia, VFS Global had been preparing to begin operations under a renewed contract from 1 July. The company has provided Indian visa and consular outsourcing services in Australia for nearly two decades
A source familiar with the Australian rollout said the centres were ready to operate once the legal process allowed services to resume.
“The centres are ready, staff have been recruited and trained, systems are in place, and appointments can open as soon as the legal process concludes,” the source said.
The Australian contract is expected to cover more than 220,000 passport, visa, OCI and other consular applications each year.
The matter was heard in the Delhi High Court on Thursday, 2 July, with a decision expected on Monday, 6 July. If the court lifts the interim restrictions, sources said VFS Global would be in a position to activate its Australian centres quickly.
During the suspension, VFS Global has said documents processed before the pause remain available for collection. Applicants whose passports are currently with the company may also request their return where applicable, in line with guidance from the High Commission of India and Consulates General.
No date has been officially announced for the resumption of services.
The disruption comes during the July school holiday period, when demand for travel to India is high. Applicants have been advised to monitor official updates before travelling to a VFS centre or making fresh arrangements.
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
