“Consular work will not solve strategic disputes. It can steady ties by keeping exchange alive.” — On the significance of visa facilitation
On October 14, 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) awarded BLS International a three-year mandate to set up and run Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This move follows the July 2025 restart of tourist visas for Chinese nationals — the first such opening since the 2020 suspension due to health risks and border tensions.
Under this arrangement, BLS will handle front-end operations including intake, biometrics, fee collection, and applicant support, while the MEA retains full control over visa rules and final decisions. The goal is to deliver steady service, accurate file processing, and short, predictable wait times for Chinese travelers seeking to visit India.
📜 Timeline and Context
Tourist visas for Chinese travelers to India were suspended in 2020 amid health concerns and heightened border tensions. After five years of pause, India reopened tourist visas for Chinese nationals in July 2025, signaling intent to normalize people-to-people contact.
The BLS contract, awarded on October 14, 2025, represents the next logical step — building capacity in China to handle the expected surge in visa applications from tourists, business travelers, students, and families.
Think of visa outsourcing like a customer service counter at a bank. The contractor (BLS) handles the queue, paperwork, and basic verification — but only the bank (MEA) can approve your loan (visa). This division keeps processing fast while keeping decision-making secure.
⚖️ Scope of the MEA Contract
The contract clearly divides responsibilities between BLS International and the Ministry of External Affairs:
BLS International (Front-End Operations):
- Site setup, appointments, and queue control
- Document checks and intake verification
- Biometric capture (fingerprints, photographs)
- Fee collection (cashless systems)
- Secure logistics for passport delivery
- Multilingual applicant support
- Status alerts via web, SMS, and email
MEA (Policy and Decisions):
- Visa rules, categories, and timelines
- All visa approval or rejection decisions
- Security vetting and background checks
Key Division: BLS handles intake and processing; MEA retains all decision-making authority. This is the standard model for visa outsourcing globally.
| Responsibility | BLS International | MEA (Government) |
|---|---|---|
| Appointments & Queue | ✓ Manages | – |
| Document Intake | ✓ Verifies | – |
| Biometrics | ✓ Captures | – |
| Fee Collection | ✓ Processes | – |
| Visa Decision | – | ✓ Decides |
| Security Vetting | – | ✓ Controls |
🌍 City Profiles: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
The three cities were selected strategically to cover diverse applicant pools across China:
Beijing: The political hub of China, hosting government offices, embassies, and academic institutions. Expect significant official, diplomatic, and academic travel demand.
Shanghai: China’s financial capital and international trade gateway. Corporate travel, business delegations, and trade fair participants will drive steady demand.
Guangzhou: The commercial anchor of southern China, with strong links to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Manufacturing, export businesses, and tourism will fuel applications here.
Together, these locations offer excellent transport connectivity and cover the major economic regions of China — north, east, and south.
Why not start with more cities? Launching in three strategic hubs allows India to test operations, refine processes, and build capacity before expanding. Quality over quantity in the initial phase reduces risk and builds trust.
📋 Service Model and Applicant Journey
The applicant journey follows a streamlined seven-step process:
Step 1: Online Application — Complete visa forms online and upload supporting documents.
Step 2: Slot Booking — Book an appointment through the online scheduling system.
Step 3: Arrival & Triage — On arrival at the centre, a triage desk checks papers and appointment timing.
Step 4: Intake & Verification — Staff verify identity, check visa category requirements, and scan documents.
Step 5: Biometrics — Fingerprints and photographs captured using ICAO-compliant devices.
Step 6: Fee Payment — Cashless payment with printed receipt provided.
Step 7: Passport Return — Collect passport in person or receive via courier under local rules.
Don’t confuse: BLS does NOT make visa decisions. It only handles intake, biometrics, and logistics. All approvals/rejections come from MEA through Indian missions.
🔐 Technology and Security
Technology Stack:
- Appointment tools linked to hourly capacity
- Queue management systems to reduce idle time
- High-quality scanners for readable document images
- ICAO-compliant biometric capture devices
- Real-time status updates via web and SMS
- Self-service kiosks for reprints and status checks
Security Measures:
- Segregated networks for biometric data
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Role-based access controls
- CCTV surveillance throughout centres
- Secure storage rooms for passports
- Chain-of-custody logs for document tracking
- Quarterly security audits
Five Service Basics: Short waits, precise checklists by visa type, bilingual guides, real-time status updates, and support for seniors and persons with disabilities.
🤝 Impact on India-China Relations
The visa centre initiative has broader significance for bilateral ties:
People-to-People Contact: Easier visas support exchange in trade, culture, academia, and tourism — keeping channels of communication open even amid strategic tensions.
Demand Drivers:
- Tourism: Group tours and solo travelers returning after the 5-year pause
- Business: Trade fairs, supplier visits, board meetings, and audits
- Education: Students seeking admission before term dates
- Family: Visits centered on time-bound personal events
Realistic Expectations: Consular facilitation will not resolve strategic disputes over borders or geopolitics. However, it can steady ties by ensuring that people-to-people exchange continues despite broader tensions.
This development illustrates the concept of “compartmentalization” in diplomacy — maintaining functional cooperation in certain sectors (visas, trade, culture) while strategic disagreements remain unresolved in others (borders, security).
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BLS International was awarded the contract on October 14, 2025, for a 3-year term to operate Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
India restarted tourist visas for Chinese nationals in July 2025, ending a suspension that began in 2020.
The three cities are Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — covering the political, financial, and southern commercial hubs of China.
BLS International handles front-end operations only. All visa decisions are made by the Ministry of External Affairs through Indian missions.
The contract is for 3 years, starting from October 14, 2025.
