VFS services: Many in Australia's Indian community seek clarity on passport and visa access

On 1 July, VFS Global suspended new passport and visa applications, citing directions from the High Commission of India in Canberra. Since then, members of the Indian community have expressed concerns over the lack of clear communication about where to access consular and passport services. (Images L to R): Local residents Gaurav Marwaha, Reena Rana, Sheetal Fotedar and legal expert Molina Asthana/Representative image of Indian High Commission in Canberra Credit: Background image: AAP/ Supplied by Gaurav Marwaha, Reena Rana, Sheetal Fotedar and Molina Asthana/

The Delhi High Court has cancelled the government's tender for outsourcing passport, visa and consular services in Australia and three other countries. The court ordered a fresh bidding process, finding that the technical evaluation lacked transparency and consistency. The ruling has left many members of the Indian community awaiting clear guidance on when passport, visa and consular services will resume. In this podcast, we speak with members of the Indian diaspora and legal expert Molina Asthana to understand the implications of the latest court ruling and what it means for the future of these services.

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https://www.hcicanberra.gov.in/alert_detail/?alertid=203

https://services.vfsglobal.com/aus/en/ind/news/temporary-suspension-of-services

https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/app/showFileJudgment/75015072026CW68442026_124800.txt

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