Will India's BLS action impact expats in UAE?

TWO-YEAR DEBARMENT FOLLOWS CASES, COMPLAINTS

- BY SAJILA SASEENDRAN Chief Reporter

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debarred BLS International, the outsourced agency for Indian passport and visa application services in several countries including the UAE, from participating in future tenders of the MEA and Indian missions abroad, leading to the company’s shares tumbling in the Indian stock market.

In a disclosure letter submitted to India’s National Stock Exchange, a copy of which has been seen by Gulf News, the company said it had been debarred for a period of two years.

“The order for debarment has been issued on account of allegations, including court cases and complaints of applicants,” it said.

'No impact on operations'

The news of the debarment raised questions on how it would impact the operations of BLS International in the UAE and elsewhere. However, the company has clarified that there is no impact on financial, operation or other activities.