Indian Passport Applicants in UAE Queue at Embassy and Consulate After 17 Years

Jul 2, 2026

60 min

Jul 2, 2026 16:30

Indian passport applicants in UAE queue at Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Consulate in Dubai after 17 years

## Temporary Walk-In Services Resume

For the first time since 2009, Indian passport applicants in the UAE are queuing at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai. This change, effective from July 2, 2026, allows walk-in submissions for passport and consular services without prior appointments. The shift comes after the closure of BLS International and SGIVS Global centers, which had been handling these services.

## Legal Dispute Delays New Service Provider

The delay in launching the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) by Alhind Tours and Travels LLC is due to a legal battle in Delhi. Competing bidders E Trav Tech and Verasys challenged the selection process, leading to a Supreme Court order to maintain the status quo. As a result, embassy and consulate staff are temporarily managing the increased workload.

## Fee Increase Concerns

Applicants are now subject to revised passport fees, with a regular renewal costing Dh450, up from Dh285. This significant increase, the first since 2012, has raised concerns among low-income workers, who make up a large portion of the Indian community in the UAE. Community leaders are advocating for reduced fees for workers holding Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) passports.

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