MUSCAT – The Embassy clarified that SGIVS is the sole authorised service provider for Indian consular, passport and visa services in the Sultanate, and no other agency or entity is permitted to accept applications on its behalf.

It called on all applicants of Indian passport, visa and consular services in Oman to note the service contractual obligations of OSP as specified on the website https://t.co/Zx9V2PJXMI
the SGIVS operates 11 application centres across Oman and is contractually bound to accept every application submitted at any of its centres without turning applicants away.

Applicants with prior appointments must be given priority at their scheduled time, while walk-in applicants should be accommodated when no appointment-based applications are pending.
The website specifies that passport applicants are not required to bring photographs, as SGIVS is obligated to capture photographs at its centres without charging any fee beyond the standard service charge of RO 6 per application. The application-filling service is also included within this all-inclusive RO 6 fee, and applicants must not be charged any additional amount for assistance in completing forms or bridging gaps such as missing document copies.

SGIVS staff are required to assist applicants directly at the centre and must not simply refer them to the website if they are unable to complete the application independently. In cases of uncertainty regarding a service or application, SGIVS must seek written clarification from the Embassy and share the response with the applicant. Applicants should not be redirected to the Embassy without proper written justification.

The return of processed documents — including passports and certificates — via courier is also a contractual responsibility of SGIVS and must be provided without additional charge. However, applicants who wish to collect documents in person must submit a signed written request at the time of application; otherwise, courier dispatch will remain the default mode of delivery.

The website further states that SGIVS is permitted to collect only RO 6 per application as its service fee. No additional fees, including premium lounge services or third-party charges, are allowed. All payments must be made through official channels and against a system-generated receipt. Fees may include the prescribed Consular, Passport or Visa fees set by the Government of India, Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) charges, and the SGIVS service fee.

No cash payments should be made without issuance of an official receipt, the Embassy warned, adding that adequate parking facilities must be provided at SGIVS centres.

Applicants facing violations of these contractual obligations may report complaints via email to the Embassy. The Embassy advised complainants to provide complete documentation, including receipts, correspondence, recordings or other supporting material, to facilitate appropriate action. Those submitting complaints may request confidentiality of their identity, which will be respected.