Indian High Commission in UK Now Offers Consular Phone Support During Weekends

LONDON Oct 11: The High Commission of India in London is providing consular phone support through the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK), enabling members of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom to seek assistance over the weekend as well as on weekdays. While telephone support is available daily, in-person walk-in services remain restricted to working days.
The PBSK is an established initiative of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), designed to assist Indian nationals living overseas by providing a dedicated channel for information, guidance and the resolution of consular grievances. Its fully functional operation at the High Commission of India in London offers a specialised point of contact for members of the Indian community who need help with passport-related matters, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, visa enquiries and other consular issues.

Telephone Helpline Available Seven Days a Week
The PBSK helpline operates daily from 8 am to 8 pm, including Saturdays and Sundays. This allows Indian nationals and members of the diaspora to seek guidance outside the usual working week. The service is intended to provide information on consular procedures, respond to general enquiries and help direct individuals with unresolved issues to the appropriate authorities. However, telephone availability should not be confused with in-person access. Walk-in services are available only on working days, between 9 am and 6 pm, at the High Commission of India in London.

Services Available Through PBSK
The support centre covers a range of issues affecting Indian nationals and the wider Indian-origin community in the UK.
These include:
Consular services: General enquiries, document attestation guidance and information about consular procedures.
Passport assistance: Guidance on passport applications, renewals and related concerns.
OCI services: Information and assistance relating to Overseas Citizen of India cards.
Visa enquiries: General guidance on visa categories and relevant procedures.
Emergency assistance: A point of contact for distressed Indian nationals and people seeking assistance from the High Commission.
The centre also provides a channel through which individuals can seek guidance on outstanding consular concerns and determine the appropriate next steps.

A Dedicated Channel for Consular Grievances
The PBSK operates as a specialised support facility within the High Commission of India in London, located at India House, Aldwych. Its purpose is to give members of the diaspora a dedicated point of contact rather than requiring them to rely solely on general embassy telephone lines. It can also help individuals navigate unresolved passport, OCI and other consular matters, including identifying the appropriate route for escalation where necessary. This is particularly relevant for people who have difficulty determining which department or service provider should handle their concerns. The PBSK should not, however, be understood as a replacement for all existing application procedures or outsourced service channels. Applicants may still need to follow the relevant official processes for submitting applications and supporting documents.

Contact Details and Opening Hours
Indian nationals and members of the Indian diaspora in the UK can contact the PBSK using the following details:
Telephone: 00-44(0)-20-78369147 (Telephone hours: 8 am to 8 pm daily, including weekends)
Walk-in services: 9 am to 6 pm on working days only
Email: inf.london@mea.gov.in
Location: High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London

Those planning to visit in person should check the High Commission’s latest guidance before travelling, particularly for services that may require appointments or specific documentation.

Improving Access for the Indian Diaspora
The availability of daily telephone support offers an additional way for Indians living in the UK to seek consular guidance, including at weekends when in-person services are unavailable. Through the PBSK, the High Commission provides a dedicated channel for enquiries, assistance and the escalation of consular grievances. Indian nationals are encouraged to use the helpline or email address for relevant concerns and to follow the official procedures applicable to their particular case.