Indian expatriates in UAE queue to renew passports
As the summer travel season reaches its peak, hundreds of Indian expatriates are queuing up in the UAE for passport renewal and other consular services after a shift in service providers disrupted normal operations.Since July 1, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have been directly handling limited consular services, as a legal dispute has delayed the handover to the new outsourcing agency.
Why do Indian missions handle passport services?
This disruption comes after the expiration of contracts with previous outsourcing agencies and a delay in the transition to the new service provider, India Travel and Tourism Corporation.Although India won the contract after submitting the lowest financial bid in the tender process, two unsuccessful bidders challenged the arbitration award in the Delhi High Court, alleging that they had been unfairly excluded during the technical evaluation stage.
Ongoing legal proceedings have temporarily halted India’s acquisition.Until the issue is resolved, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and CGI in Dubai are providing basic consular services directly.
What services are currently available?
Missions currently offering:
- Passport services
- Visa services
- ratification
- Various consular services
Timing and rules of entry
- Consular services are available from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- Appointments are not accepted. All applicants must walk-in and will be served strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To manage crowds, only applicants are allowed into the building. Parents may accompany minor applicants.
Cash payments only
Applicants are advised to carry 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
Heavy footfall has been reported since the new arrangement came into effect, with more than 1,400 people visiting the CGI Center in Dubai on Friday alone.To manage the rush, the consulate introduced token systems, waiting tents, and deployed more than 100 staff. Complimentary tea and snacks are provided for those waiting, while separate breastfeeding facilities are provided for mothers with infants.
Private certification camps
The Indian Mission also announced special attestation services at the following address:
- Indian Society Sharjah – July 4 and 5, from 9 am to 2 pm
- Indian Social Club, Fujairah – July 5, from 10 am to 2 pm
- Applicants are required to carry all required documents.
How to contact the Consulate General of India in Dubai
Applicants can access CGI through:Toll free number: 800 46342 (800 India)WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in
When will India take over?
While no date has been announced, India said it has completed operational preparations and has set up 16 Indian Consular Application Centers (ICACs) in all seven emirates. The company said that the transfer process will begin as soon as the legal procedures are completed and advised applicants to monitor official embassy announcements for updates.
Where are the new ICACs located?
- The new centers have been established in:
- Aldana
- The Reem
- Armored
- The eye
- Ghaithi
- Bur Dubai
- Zayed City
- Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
- Metaphor
- Rola
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Khor Fakkan
- Kalba
- Ras Al Khaimah
The Government of India has revised passport service fees across the UAE with effect from July 1, marking the first fee increase since 2012 as part of a broader effort to standardize passport fees at Indian missions across the world.The revised fee structure applies at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, CGI in Dubai, and all ICACs across the UAE.
