The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Bahrain have dismissed recent media reports suggesting a significant hike in fees for Indian passport and visa services abroad, calling them “speculative” and unfounded. The reports had caused concern among the Indian diaspora, prompting opposition leaders to seek clarification from the government.
The controversy arose after The Daily Pioneer claimed that a revised government request for proposal (RFP) could lead to a sharp increase in consular, passport, and visa (CPV) service fees by 15 to 20 times. According to the report, the proposed bundled package—including services such as document digitization, biometric capture, photocopying, photography, form filling, and courier services—could push costs from the current $5-$7 range to as high as $90-$100, even if applicants do not require all services.
Following these claims, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal alleged on X that the fees were set to rise 10 to 15 times and demanded an explanation from the government. Meanwhile, Pravasi Legal Cell, an NGO advocating for migrant rights, urged the government to reconsider any potential fee revision, emphasizing that many Indian migrants earn modest wages and may struggle to afford such increased charges.
In response, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain issued a statement categorically denying any hike in consular service fees. It urged the Indian community to disregard unverified reports that could cause unnecessary panic and disrupt service delivery. The MEA reinforced this position, clarifying that the reports were purely speculative and that no official decision had been made regarding a fee increase.
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