VFS Global update: What you need to know about the temporary suspension of Indian passport services

India passport and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card sit atop India Rupee banknotes in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on January 01, 2026. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin, which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. Despite its name, OCI is not recognized as citizenship by the Republic of India or by the vast majority of nations worldwide, and it does not grant the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office. As of 2022, there are over 4 million holders of OCI cards among the Indian diaspora. (Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images). Inset on left: Ritesh Bhamaria. Credit: (Supplied by Ritesh Bhamaria)

India's passport, visa and consular services in Australia have been temporarily suspended from 1 July 2026 until further notice. In this SBS Hindi report, we explain what the suspension means for passport, visa and OCI applicants, the support services currently available through VFS Global, how to access emergency consular assistance, and where to find official updates. The report also features the views of Ritesh Bhamari, an Indian Australian community member, who shares his perspective on the impact of the suspension and the concerns it has raised within the Indian diaspora.

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