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) Source: NurPhoto / NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

India's Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services in Australia have been temporarily suspended from 1 July 2026 until further notice. In this SBS Hindi report, find out what the suspension means for passport, visa and OCI applicants, which services are still available through VFS Global, how to access emergency consular assistance, and where to find the latest official updates.

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