Revised fees, new service provider and updated application procedures affect millions of Indian expatriates across the Emirates
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now pay higher fees for passport and related consular services following a revision introduced by the Government of India, with the changes taking effect from 1 July. The fee increase is accompanied by a transition to a new outsourced service provider, bringing several procedural changes for applicants.
Under the revised schedule, the fee for a standard 36-page passport has increased to AED 450 from AED 285, while a 60-page passport now costs AED 630, up from AED 380. Charges for Tatkaal (urgent) passport services have also risen significantly, with applicants paying AED 900 for a 36-page passport and AED 1,080 for a 60-page booklet. Fees for services such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), passport replacement for lost or damaged documents, and other passport-related applications have also been revised.
Alongside the fee revision, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have shifted passport, visa and consular operations to a new outsourcing partner, Al Hind Tours and Travels LLC. The change replaces the previous service providers and is intended to streamline the delivery of consular services across the UAE.
Applicants are now required to book appointments through the new service platform and follow updated procedures for document submission and processing. Authorities have advised Indian residents to check the latest guidelines before applying to avoid delays or incomplete applications.
The UAE is home to more than 3.5 million Indians, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities. The revised passport fees and procedural changes are expected to affect a substantial number of expatriates seeking passport renewals and other consular services in the coming months.
