Millions of Indian blue-collar workers employed in Gulf countries, the UK, and Southeast Asia may soon face a severe financial burden as the Government of India has floated a revised Request for Proposal (RFP) for outsourcing Passport, Visa, and Consular (CPV) services across 23 Indian Missions worldwide. The proposed fee structure is expected to increase service costs by 15 to 20 times, raising concerns about its impact on migrant workers who already struggle to make ends meet.
Under the new structure, applicants will be required to pay for a bundled package that includes document digitization, fingerprint and facial biometric capture, and four application support services—photocopying, photography, form filling, and courier. Even if an applicant does not require all these services, they will still have to bear the cost. A service that currently costs $5–$7 may now cost as much as $90–$100, making it significantly more expensive for those dependent on these essential services. Between January 2022 and December 2024, Indian Missions handled approximately 6.45 million such services, highlighting the widespread implications of this price increase.
The decision has triggered outrage among Indian expatriates and industry experts, who argue that such a drastic fee hike contradicts the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of its overseas workforce. Critics are also questioning whether the move is influenced by lobbying from select service providers, leading to an unjustified surge in prices. The hardest hit will be low-wage workers in industries such as construction, hospitality, and domestic labor, many of whom take loans to finance their employment abroad. With monthly earnings as low as ₹20,000–₹30,000, a steep increase in consular fees could mean cutting down on basic necessities, delaying documentation renewals, or even losing jobs.
India, which received over $100 billion in remittances in 2023, could also face economic repercussions if fewer workers can afford to remain abroad due to rising costs. As concerns mount, questions are being raised about whether the government will reconsider its decision or risk imposing an undue financial strain on those who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.