BLS International Secures MEA Contract for Visa Centres in China

BLS International Services Limited has been awarded a significant contract by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to establish and operate Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in China. The contract, effective from October 14, 2023, will last for a duration of three years, marking a new chapter for the company in the region.

Under this agreement, BLS International will manage IVACs in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. These centres are set to enhance the visa application process by providing streamlined, secure, and customer-friendly services. The company has emphasized that the IVACs will feature improved infrastructure, advanced technology, and multilingual staff to ensure a seamless experience for applicants.

In a statement, Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd, expressed the company’s gratitude for the opportunity. He said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious contract from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and look forward to providing excellent services. We believe this is a significant milestone for BLS International and these IVACs will play a vital role in facilitating reliable and user-centric visa services. We thank the Ministry of External Affairs for its continued trust and confidence in BLS International.”

On the Bombay Stock Exchange, shares of BLS International were trading at Rs 302, reflecting an increase of 8.60 percent as of 12:54 PM on Thursday. This uptick in stock value comes shortly after the MEA issued a ban on the company, preventing it from participating in any future tenders issued by Indian Missions and Posts abroad for the next two years. The order, announced the previous Friday, restricts BLS from bidding on new projects with Indian embassies, consulates, and diplomatic offices globally.

BLS International clarified that the MEA’s action relates to certain court cases and complaints from applicants, although specific details were not disclosed. The company reassured stakeholders that existing contracts with Indian Missions remain unaffected. Visa, passport, and biometric services for Indians abroad will continue without disruption, as the MEA order applies only to future tenders.

In the first quarter of FY26, Indian Missions accounted for approximately 12% of BLS International’s consolidated revenue, underscoring the importance of these contracts to the company’s financial health. As BLS International moves forward with the establishment of the IVACs in China, it will seek to balance this new opportunity with the recent challenges posed by the MEA’s restrictions.