Indian expats rush to renew passports in UAE amid transition of consular services; here’s what applicants need to know
Hundreds of Indian expatriates in the UAE are queuing for passport renewals and other consular services as service providers pivot to disrupt normal operations as the summer tourist season begins.The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai have been handling limited consular services directly since July 1 as legal disputes delayed handover to new outsourced agencies.
Why does the Indian embassy handle passport services?
The disruption was caused by the expiration of the contract with the previous outsourcing agency and a delay in the transition to the new service provider, Alhind Tours & Travels LLC.Although Alhind won the contract after submitting the lowest financial bid during the tender process, two unsuccessful bidders challenged the award in the Delhi High Court, claiming they were unfairly excluded during the technical evaluation stage. Ongoing legal proceedings have temporarily blocked the Alhind acquisition.Until the issue is resolved, necessary consular services will be directly provided by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai.
What services are currently available?
These missions currently provide:
- Passport service
- visa service
- Assurance
- Miscellaneous consular services
Time and admission rules
- Consular services are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Reservations are not accepted. All applicants must come directly and services will be provided strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To manage crowds, only applicants will be allowed into the venue. Parents may accompany minor applicants.
Cash payment only
Applicants are advised to bring cash, preferably the exact amount, as card payments and bank transfers are not accepted and change may not always be available.
Long queues but support for applicants
According to reports, there has been a high volume of visitors to CGI Dubai since the new arrangements came into effect, with more than 1,400 people visiting on Friday alone.To cope with the peak, the consulate introduced a token system, waiting tents and deployed more than 100 staff. Complimentary tea and snacks are provided to those waiting, while separate breastfeeding facilities are provided for mothers with babies.
Special Certification Camp
The Indian Mission also announced special accreditation services at the following locations:
- Sharjah Indian Society – July 4 and 5, 9am to 2pm
- Indian Social Club, Fujairah – July 5, 10am to 2pm
- Applicants are asked to bring all required documents.
How to contact the Consulate General of India in Dubai
Applicants can contact CGI via:Toll Free: 800 46342 (800 India)WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
When will Alhind take over?
While the exact date is yet to be announced, Alhind said operational preparations have been completed and 16 Indian Consular Application Centers (ICACs) have been established across all seven emirates. The company said the transition will begin once the legal proceedings are concluded and advised applicants to follow official announcements from the embassy for updates.
Where is the new ICAC center?
- The new center is located at:
- Aldana
- Alrem
- Moussafa
- al ain
- Gayati
- bur dubai
- ancient zayed city
- Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
- almajaz
- Laura
- Ajman
- fujairah
- Umm al Quwain
- disgust
- language
- Ras al Khaimah
The Indian government has revised fees for passport services across the UAE from July 1, the first time since 2012 that it has increased fees as part of a wider effort to standardize passport fees at Indian embassies and consulates around the world.The revised fee structure is applicable at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, CGI Dubai and all ICACs across the UAE.
