Indian passport services in UAE face uncertainty: What expats need to know about appointments, fees and closures.
The system for Indian passport and consular services in the UAE is currently undergoing a major transition, creating uncertainty for more than 3.5 million Indian expats across the country.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the latest process, key changes and essential information Indians in the UAE need to know before applying for passport renewals or other consular services.
What led to the change?
The transition began in November 2025, when the Indian Embassy issued a tender to outsource consular services at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
The move followed more than a decade of passport service operations by the previous provider. After a competitive bidding process involving companies such as VFS Global and SGIVS Global, Kerala-based Alhind Tours and Travels LLC emerged as the lowest bidder and was awarded the contract.
Planned transition and legal challenge
Alhind was scheduled to begin operations on July 1, 2026, with plans to launch 16 dedicated service centres across all seven emirates. The largest facility, a 12,000-square-foot centre in Bur Dubai, was expected to have more than 45 service counters.
The company had announced a unified service fee of just Dh19 above mandatory government charges and recruited over 400 employees to manage operations.
Why was the transition delayed?
The planned handover was disrupted after two unsuccessful bidders challenged the tender evaluation process in the Delhi High Court.
The legal challenge prevented Alhind from officially taking over on July 1. Meanwhile, the contracts of the existing service providers — BLS International and SGIVS Global — expired on June 30, resulting in the suspension of their operations.
What was the court’s decision?
The Delhi High Court ordered that the tender process be conducted afresh and completed within one month.
The court also allowed the possibility of temporary continuation by the existing service providers to prevent disruption. However, the final decision on whether to reinstate them or continue direct services rests with the Indian missions in the UAE.
How can Indians apply for passport renewal and other services now?
With the transition unresolved, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have temporarily taken over passport, visa and attestation services directly from their premises — the first time in 17 years that the missions have handled these services themselves.
From July 1, the missions introduced an appointment-based system through their official portal.
While walk-ins were permitted during the initial days, appointments are now required for services in Dubai. At the Abu Dhabi embassy, limited walk-ins are available only for emergencies and service is not guaranteed.
How does the appointment system work?
Applicants must:
- Visit the online appointment portal: https://book.passportindiauae.com/
- Create an account and complete email verification.
- Log in using registered credentials.
- Select the relevant mission — Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi or Consulate General of India, Dubai.
- Enter required details and select an available appointment slot.
- Review and confirm the booking.
New appointment slots are released daily at 8pm for the following day and are filled quickly.
What are the new passport renewal fees?
Passport fees increased from July 1, 2026.
Under the revised structure:
- 36-page passport
- Normal renewal: Dh450 (previously Dh285)
- Tatkaal service: Dh900
- 60-page passport
- Normal renewal: Dh630
- Tatkaal service: Dh1,080
Are the embassy and consulate operating daily?
The missions continue to provide services. However, the Indian Consulate in Dubai announced a temporary closure from Friday, July 17, 2026, to Sunday, July 19, 2026, due to road maintenance work being carried out by relevant authorities.
What happens next?
The situation remains under review. The Delhi High Court has directed that the fresh tender process be completed within one month.
Until a final arrangement is announced, Indian expats in the UAE are expected to continue accessing passport and consular services directly through the Indian missions. Applicants are advised to regularly check the official appointment portal for updates.
