India visa, passport services on hold in Australia, to resume only after govt nod: VFS Global

VFS Global has said that Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services for India in Australia will resume only after they are reinstated by the competent authorities, underscoring that there is no immediate timeline for restoring the suspended services.

In a public update issued to applicants, VFS Global said services at its India Consular Application Centres (ICACs) would restart only after receiving authorisation from the relevant authorities. The company advised applicants to regularly monitor updates from the High Commission of India in Canberra and the Consulates General of India in Australia for the latest information.

The clarification comes after Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services across Australia were temporarily suspended with effect from July 1, 2026, in accordance with directions issued by the High Commission of India in Canberra.

VFS Global acknowledged that the suspension could cause inconvenience, particularly for applicants with urgent travel plans or consular requirements, and said it had strengthened customer support during the disruption.

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The company said applicants requiring emergency consular assistance should directly contact the High Commission of India or the relevant Consulate based on their location.

It also clarified that passports already ready for collection would continue to be returned under the existing passport return process. However, applications currently under processing will remain pending until the services are officially restored.

To assist applicants during the suspension, VFS Global said its dedicated customer support centre is available on 03 9956 3830 between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm AEST, while email queries are being handled through info.ind_aus@vfshelpline.com.

The company added that staff at its India Consular Application Centres would continue providing guidance in line with the public notices and directions issued by the High Commission of India in Canberra until normal services resume.

VFS Global said it remains committed to assisting applicants wherever possible and will resume full CPV operations as soon as it receives authorisation from the competent authorities.