Indian passport and consular services in the UAE have undergone a major change.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai are now directly handling passport, visa, and attestation services on a temporary basis.
The new system has been introduced after delays in appointing a new outsourced service provider due to a legal dispute.
As a result, applicants will now have to follow updated procedures, including mandatory online appointments and revised service charges.
Online Appointment Is Now Compulsory
If you need to renew your passport or apply for visa or attestation services, you must first book an appointment through the official online portal.
The earlier walk-in system in Dubai has been discontinued.
Only a few emergency cases will be handled on a priority basis without regular appointments.
Officials say the appointment system has been introduced to better manage the large number of applicants during this temporary transition.
Passport Fees Have Been Revised
The cost of passport services has also changed.
Applicants applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one will now have to pay the revised fees introduced by the Indian missions in the UAE.
The updated charges apply to both ordinary and Tatkaal passport services.
Before booking an appointment, applicants are advised to check the latest fee structure to avoid any surprises.
Why Has the System Changed?
The previous outsourced service providers completed their contracts at the end of June.
Although a new company was selected through the government’s tender process, legal challenges have delayed the transfer of operations.
Until the issue is resolved, the Indian Embassy and Consulate are managing passport and other consular services directly.
This temporary arrangement will continue until a new service provider officially takes over.
Applicants Should Book Early
The UAE is home to millions of Indian expatriates, so demand for passport and consular services remains very high.
Since appointment slots are limited and fill up quickly, applicants should book their appointments well in advance, especially if they have upcoming travel plans or their passport is close to expiry.
Officials have also warned people not to use unauthorised agents or middlemen who claim they can arrange appointments for a fee.
To avoid fraud and unnecessary expenses, appointments should only be booked through the official system.
What Applicants Need to Remember
The new appointment-based system is now mandatory for most passport and consular services in the UAE.
Along with booking appointments in advance, applicants should also check the revised passport fees and plan early to avoid delays.
Until the legal dispute over the outsourcing process is resolved, Indian missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will continue to provide these services directly.
