Saudi Arabia: VFS Global, Indian embassy simplify passport renewal, attestation for Indians

Image: VFS Global

The Indian embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia have collaborated with VFS Global, the global visa outsourcing and technology services company, to simplify document renewal and attestation for Indian citizens living in the kingdom.

VFS Global has been providing visa and consular services for the government of India in Saudi Arabia since 2009, operating a network of 11 application centres in as many cities in the kingdom.

The company will organise scattered tours to collect passport renewal applications and documents attestations for Indian communities residing in the remote locations of the central, eastern and western regions of the kingdom.

The company has been conducting these consular camps since 2009, making these services accessible to Indians residing in Bisha, Jizan, Medina, Yanbu, Taif, Mecca and Najran in the western region.

Similar tours are organised in the central and eastern region covering Sakaka, Arar, Hafr Al Batin, Khafji, Hofuf, Al Quryat and Wadi Dawasir.

The website has a complete tour schedule.

Tour dates for passport, document services in 2023

Tour dates have been announced for the period of September to December.

Indian nationals can submit their passport renewal or document attestation applications using the following process:

1. Applicants can select the service they need: passport renewal or document attestation, and complete the online passport application form on the government of India website based on the service required and region. They need to print and sign the hard copy of the form
2. The next step is creating a profile on the VFS Global website, and generating an appointment confirmation letter
3. Applicants can then book an appointment for the consular camp locations online
4. They should arrive at the consular camp at the designated time and carry the printed form, supporting documents, and appointment confirmation email
5. VFS Global will review the application and accept the documents at the consular camp itself.
6. Applicants will receive process-related notifications via email/ SMS (if they opt for it)

The company has also provided detailed guidelines on how to apply.