Canadians report pressure tactics and extra fees at BLS International, the only agency handling Indian consular services in the country.
Growing Concerns Over Indian Visa Service Provider
Across Canada, frustration is rising over BLS International, the sole agency authorized by the Indian government to handle consular services such as visa processing, passport renewals, and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) applications. Many clients say they are routinely pressured to pay additional fees—often for services they didn’t request or need.
Personal Accounts of Unexpected Charges
In Brampton, Ontario, Prashant Vashista vividly recalls paying a $135 courier fee for emergency visas after his mother passed away. Despite collecting the visas in person, BLS staff allegedly demanded the payment for him and his family. “I was in dire need. So I had to pay,” Vashista said. His case echoes what several others have told, alleging they felt coerced into unnecessary add-on services.
Former Employees Describe Sales Pressure
Several former employees of the Brampton BLS office, who requested anonymity, said they were directed to maximize charges per customer. According to them, staff were encouraged to reject applications for minor technicalities or upsell services like photo corrections and courier delivery—even for documents picked up in person. “If you’re not selling, you will be kicked off,” one former supervisor claimed, describing internal sales competitions.
Public Backlash Grows Online
BLS operates in multiple Canadian cities and manages a range of consular processes. But public trust appears to be eroding. The agency has an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau and faces frequent criticism in online forums, Facebook groups, and petitions. One petition on Change.org has gathered over 7,000 signatures demanding improved transparency and customer service.
Allegations of Harassment and Intimidation
Some clients allege mistreatment and intimidation. A Toronto resident said BLS staff used “scare tactics” when he questioned additional fees, even calling his wife “dumb” and threatening to blacklist him. In Kenora, Ontario, lawyer Harpreet Hora said he was pressured to pay for courier services he never asked for. Though he later received a refund, he called the process “a sort of harassment.”
Company Response and Official Oversight
BLS International maintains that it operates with transparency and excellence. In a statement, communications manager Pooja Arora said, “Where concerns are raised, we will always investigate them thoroughly and take appropriate steps to improve.” The Indian Consulate in Toronto also defended the selection of BLS, citing a competitive bidding process.
However, oversight is limited. Since BLS operates under a foreign consulate, Canadian agencies such as Global Affairs Canada and Consumer Protection Ontario have minimal jurisdiction. The consulate is the only authority capable of enforcing change or terminating the contract.
Inside the Business Model
Former staff members say errors were sometimes created by the company’s own online systems, and minimal mistakes—such as using “ave.” instead of “avenue”—were enough to halt applications and trigger extra charges. One ex-employee said, “You need to find a reason where you can take out money from a client.”
Even former staff who later returned as clients say they were unable to avoid the fees. “I know what you’re doing,” one said to a former colleague who charged them again for an unnecessary courier.
Legal Grey Area Leaves Consumers Stuck
Despite increasing public complaints, legal remedies remain unclear. Global Affairs Canada has stated it has no control over foreign consular contractors. Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Ontario confirmed receiving only one complaint about BLS in three years, offering no details on its resolution.
Harpreet Hora, who has since filed right-to-information requests with the Indian government, says no clear complaint data exists. “I feel cheated by the Indian consulate,” he said. “You’re not taking action.”
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