Indian embassy in Kuwait opened two new Indian passport and visa service centers on May 27th.

The collection and submission of Indian passport and visa applications and their delivery to the applicant in Kuwait will take place only via these two centers. The centers are located at
1. Emad Commercial Centre, Basement Floor, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait City. Telephone: 22470005. Telefax: 22470006.

2. Mujamma Unood, 4th floor, Office No. 25-26 Makka Street, Fahaheel, Kuwait. Telephone: 23912352. Telefax: 23912354.

The centers were declared open by Indian ambassador Sre Ajay Malhotra in presence of Ahmed BuKhamseen, Chairman of Bu Khamseen holding group, who are the local sponsor for BLS International group.

Speaking on the occasion Indian ambassador said the Indian community in Kuwait has to a large extend contributed in the development and economical sectors of Kuwait by their hard work and dedication and respect for law of the country.

He said that the numbers of Indians in Kuwait were increased to 579,000 from 120,000 when the Indian embassy started the existing premises in 1992.

Ambassador added that one of the important concerns raised by members of Indian community, especially project and household workers, related to the submission of collection of passport during their working hours, which means taking half day leave and even result in half day salary. To address this aspect, the new centers will work in two shifts and people can submit and collect their passport in the afternoon hours. The new centers will work from morning 8 to 12 and 4 to 8 in the afternoon. The centers will be working in Saturdays also from 4 to 8 evening.

An Indian Company, M/S BLS International Visa Services, will operate both Service Centres, which will also offer the following facilities: [a] Information desk; [b] Free distribution of passport and visa application forms; [c] Filling of passport and visa application forms [at nominal charge]; and [d] Photocopy facility [at nominal charge].

A service fee of KD 1.500 for Passport Services and KD 5.000 for Visa Services per application will be charged by M/S BLS International Visa Services, in addition to the Passport and Visa fees of the Government of India.

The website http://www.bls-international.com will provide details of all passport and visa services available at both Service Centres.

Applications for visas on Diplomatic/Official/Special passports as well as for issue of PIO/OCI cards and Emergency Certificates will continue to be accepted directly at the Embassy of India, Kuwait. Affidavit/Attestation services will also continue to be provided at Embassy of India, Kuwait.