MEA debars BLS International Services from future contracts for two years

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debarred BLS International Services Ltd from participating in future tenders of the MEA and Indian Missions abroad for two years, effective October 9, 2025, the company revealed in a filing to the exchanges on Saturday.

The government has debarred the company on account of allegations on the company pertaining to multiple court cases and complaints from applicants. The order was communicated to the company on October 10, 2025, the company said in its statement.

BLS International Services Ltd, part of the Italian BLS Group, is a global technology-enabled services partner that provides visa, passport, and consular services to governments and diplomatic missions worldwide

This only applies to the future tenders of the MEA and Indian Missions abroad.

The company said that all its existing MEA contracts remain unaffected and will continue under current terms. The Indian missions contributed to as much as 12% of the company’s first quarter revenue and almost 8% of EBITDA.

“This development does not impact the company’s current financials or ongoing operations. All existing contracts with Indian Missions across the globe remain valid and continue to operate as scheduled. Additionally, the order will not have any significant bearing on the company's financial outlook,” the company said in its statement.

The company stated that it is currently reviewing the order and considering legal remedies. Terming it a “procedural development” within the visa outsourcing industry, the company said that it “remains confident of a constructive resolution in due course.”

BLS has expanded its portfolio with contracts in the U.S., UAE, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and India (UIDAI project). The company also made some acquisitions in recent past including iDATA and Citizenship Invest. The company currently works with over 46 governments through diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates. It operates more than 50,000 centres around the world, employing over 60,000 individuals.

The company’s shares closed at ₹337.90 on the NSE on Friday, marginally up by 0.18% from its Thursday close of ₹337.30.