Indian embassy in US outsources visa, passport services to new firm

Applicants, who have already submitted their applications to BLS International Ltd, may check their status online at BLS International website till May 20.

The status of these pending applications will be available on the website of Cox & Kings Global Services from May 21, it said.

In 2013, Indian diplomatic missions in the US issued nearly 3.4 lakh visas, with the Indian Consulate in New York leading by 95,000 visas followed by San Francisco (85,800), Houston (54,700), Chicago (45,000) and Washington DC (44,000).

In addition, they also issued over 75,000 OCI cards, more than 35,000 PIO cards and more than 49,000 surrender and renunciation of India citizenship.

Cox & Kings Global Services (formerly known as Quoprro Global Services) was incorporated in 2008 and is a specialist business process outsource agency which focuses on serving Consular sections of Diplomatic Missions, according to information available on its website.

Cox & King Global Services provides outsourcing services to Consulate General of Italy, UAE; Indian diplomatic missions in Israel, Germany, Japan, Sweden, in addition to Dubai Visa in India, Royal Thai Consulate General for Western India and Norwegian Embassy in India.