The Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA) has barred BLS International Services Ltd from participating in any future tenders issued by Indian Missions and Posts abroad for the next two years. The order, issued on Friday, restricts BLS from bidding for new projects with Indian embassies, consulates, and diplomatic offices worldwide. The company said the action relates to certain court cases and complaints from applicants, but did not elaborate on specific details.
Following the announcement, BLS International shares fell sharply on Monday. The stock dropped as much as 11% before settling at Rs 299, as of 1.20 pm. The decline reflects investor concern over the possible impact of the government’s decision on future business opportunities.
Existing Contracts to Continue
In a clarification, BLS said that ongoing contracts with Indian Missions will remain operational, ensuring that visa, passport, and biometric services for Indians abroad continue without disruption. The company stated that the MEA order applies only to future tenders and will not affect existing agreements.
Indian Missions accounted for about 12% of the company’s consolidated revenue in the first quarter of FY26.
Company Response
BLS International said it is reviewing the MEA order and may take legal action if required. The company described the decision as “a procedural development within the visa outsourcing industry” and expressed confidence in reaching “a constructive resolution in due course.”
Financial Context and Operations
Despite the setback, BLS continues to post strong financial performance. In the first quarter of FY26, the company reported a 44% year-on-year rise in consolidated revenue.
Recently, it won a ₹2,055 crore order from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to set up and operate Aadhaar Seva Kendras, a contract that strengthens its domestic portfolio and long-term revenue visibility.
The company’s overseas business forms a large portion of its overall operations. It provides visa processing, passport facilitation, and biometric data collection in more than 60 countries, supporting Indian embassies, consulates, and other government missions.
Impact on NRIs and Service Users
For Indians living abroad, BLS confirmed that services will continue as usual. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can still apply for passport renewals, visa processing, and document attestation through existing BLS centres.
Embassies and consulates that currently work with BLS will not face service disruption. However, if new tenders arise during the debarment period, those contracts will likely go to other vendors.
Analysts say the ban introduces a reputational challenge for BLS International, as the MEA’s move could affect future bidding confidence in both government and global contracts. While the ministry has not disclosed the full reasons behind the action, reports suggest it stems from complaints and ongoing litigation related to service delivery.
Market experts note that the company’s diversified global presence will help limit the overall financial impact.
Global Expansion Strategy
BLS has been expanding its international business aggressively. The company holds contracts across the United States, UAE, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and other regions.
In FY25, it also acquired iDATA and Citizenship Invest, moves that have strengthened its foothold in the citizenship and residency solutions market. These expansions are part of its strategy to reduce dependence on Indian government contracts and secure stable international revenue streams.
While the MEA’s two-year restriction prevents BLS from bidding for new tenders with Indian Missions, existing projects will continue to run normally.
For now, NRIs and Indian travellers can expect uninterrupted access to services such as visa processing and passport facilitation.
The company’s ability to maintain service quality, manage regulatory issues, and expand its international portfolio will determine how it navigates this phase.
Following the announcement, BLS International shares fell sharply on Monday. The stock dropped as much as 11% before settling at Rs 299, as of 1.20 pm. The decline reflects investor concern over the possible impact of the government’s decision on future business opportunities.
Existing Contracts to Continue
In a clarification, BLS said that ongoing contracts with Indian Missions will remain operational, ensuring that visa, passport, and biometric services for Indians abroad continue without disruption. The company stated that the MEA order applies only to future tenders and will not affect existing agreements.
Indian Missions accounted for about 12% of the company’s consolidated revenue in the first quarter of FY26.
Company Response
BLS International said it is reviewing the MEA order and may take legal action if required. The company described the decision as “a procedural development within the visa outsourcing industry” and expressed confidence in reaching “a constructive resolution in due course.”
Financial Context and Operations
Despite the setback, BLS continues to post strong financial performance. In the first quarter of FY26, the company reported a 44% year-on-year rise in consolidated revenue.
Recently, it won a ₹2,055 crore order from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to set up and operate Aadhaar Seva Kendras, a contract that strengthens its domestic portfolio and long-term revenue visibility.
The company’s overseas business forms a large portion of its overall operations. It provides visa processing, passport facilitation, and biometric data collection in more than 60 countries, supporting Indian embassies, consulates, and other government missions.
Impact on NRIs and Service Users
For Indians living abroad, BLS confirmed that services will continue as usual. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can still apply for passport renewals, visa processing, and document attestation through existing BLS centres.
Embassies and consulates that currently work with BLS will not face service disruption. However, if new tenders arise during the debarment period, those contracts will likely go to other vendors.
Analysts say the ban introduces a reputational challenge for BLS International, as the MEA’s move could affect future bidding confidence in both government and global contracts. While the ministry has not disclosed the full reasons behind the action, reports suggest it stems from complaints and ongoing litigation related to service delivery.
Market experts note that the company’s diversified global presence will help limit the overall financial impact.
Global Expansion Strategy
BLS has been expanding its international business aggressively. The company holds contracts across the United States, UAE, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and other regions.
In FY25, it also acquired iDATA and Citizenship Invest, moves that have strengthened its foothold in the citizenship and residency solutions market. These expansions are part of its strategy to reduce dependence on Indian government contracts and secure stable international revenue streams.
While the MEA’s two-year restriction prevents BLS from bidding for new tenders with Indian Missions, existing projects will continue to run normally.
For now, NRIs and Indian travellers can expect uninterrupted access to services such as visa processing and passport facilitation.
The company’s ability to maintain service quality, manage regulatory issues, and expand its international portfolio will determine how it navigates this phase.
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