Starting 1st July 2025, Indian nationals living in or travelling through Oman will experience a major shift in how they access consular services. The Embassy of India in Muscat has announced that SGIVS Global Services LLC will take over the delivery of passport, visa, and consular services from that date.
New Provider, More Access Points
In a move aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency, SGIVS Global Services will set up 11 application centres throughout Oman. These centres will become fully operational by 15th August 2025, reducing the need for long travel times for applicants living outside the capital.
Where Will the New Centres Be Located?
The new service centres will be strategically located in:
- Muscat
- Salalah
- Sohar
- Ibri
- Sur
- Nizwa
- Duqm
- Ibra
- Khasab
- Buraimi
- Barka
This decentralised model is designed to provide better support to Oman’s large Indian diaspora, estimated to be over half a million.
What Services Will These Centres Offer?
The SGIVS Global application centres will handle a wide range of services, including:
- Passport renewals and re-issuance
- Visa processing for travel to India
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card applications
- Attestation of documents
- Emergency travel documents
- Consular registration and grievances
- General information and application support
This new system will allow Indian nationals to complete essential documentation and procedures more conveniently and with quicker turnaround times.
What It Means for Indians Living in Oman
For the Indian community in Oman, this development is a significant upgrade:
- Reduced travel time to the embassy thanks to regional centres
- Faster processing times due to decentralised operations
- Dedicated customer support from SGIVS Global at multiple locations
- Easier access to emergency services in case of urgent passport or visa needs
This is especially good news for Indian workers and families living in interior cities like Duqm, Ibri, or Nizwa who previously had to travel to Muscat for basic services.
Temporary Services at the Embassy Until 15 August
Until the centres are fully operational, all consular, passport, and visa services will continue to be provided from the Embassy of India premises in Al Khuwair, located on Jami’at Al-Dowal Al-Arabiya Street.
The Embassy has also advised applicants to expect minor disruptions during the transition period in July and August. However, it reassures the public that efforts are underway to make the shift as smooth as possible.
Travel and Visa Planning Tips
If you’re planning to travel to India after July 2025:
- Monitor Embassy updates for centre opening dates and guidelines
- Pre-book appointments at the new centres once launched
- Check for address changes before visiting the Embassy for in-person applications
- Keep an eye on the Embassy of India Muscat website for official announcements
Final Thoughts
The introduction of SGIVS Global Services and the rollout of 11 application centres is a forward-thinking step by the Indian Embassy. It brings much-needed ease and efficiency to consular access across Oman.
Whether you’re an Indian expatriate renewing your passport or a traveller applying for a visa to India, these new centres promise smoother and faster service.
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