If you’re an Indian expatriate in the UAE, there are a few important updates that could affect your next passport renewal, consular appointment or your trip home. This includes a sharp increase in passport fees, a major overhaul of consular services, and new pre-travel health requirements. As there are several changes will come into effect over the coming weeks, we’ve broken down everything you need to know.
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India Raises Passport Fees: What Are The New Charges?
Indian passport fees will increase significantly from July 1, with some services seeing hikes of up to 75 per cent. The revised fee structure, announced through a notification issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), will apply globally, including for Indian citizens living in the UAE. While the updated UAE-specific pricing has yet to be officially announced, revised rates will be introduced shortly.
1. Revised Passport Charges In India
- 36-page adult passport: ₹2,500 (previously ₹1,500)
- 60-page passport: ₹3,500 (previously ₹2,000)
- Tatkal passport applications: Up to ₹6,000, depending on booklet size
- Lost or damaged passports under Tatkal processing: Up to ₹7,500
- Charges for police clearance certificates, surrender certificates and emergency certificates are also updated
2. Current UAE Passport Charges
According to sources familiar with the matter, the revised UAE pricing structure will be announced in the coming days. Until then, the existing fee structure remains:
- 36-page passport: AED 285
- 60-page passport: AED 380
- Tatkal services: Up to AED 950
- Additional Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and service charges apply
Alhind Takes Over Consular Services Across The UAE
There will be a major shift in India’s consular services in the UAE, which will take place from July 1. Alhind Tours and Travels LLC officially takes over passport, visa and attestation services under the newly introduced Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) system. The new unified model will handle a wide range of services, including:
- Passport renewals
- OCI card applications
- Visa services
- Police clearance certificates
- Document attestation services
Under this new system, Alhind has proposed an all-inclusive service fee of AED 19 per transaction. Appointment slots are expected to be available within five working days, while the application process itself is targeted to take around 30 minutes.
Temporary Service Suspension
As part of the transition process:
- Existing providers, BLS International and SGIVS, stopped accepting new bookings after June 25
- Routine consular services will remain suspended from June 26 to June 30
- Emergency passport, visa and attestation services will continue through Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE
- Toll-free helplines, WhatsApp support and email assistance will remain available for urgent cases
ICAC Centre Network Across The UAE
The new system plans to operate through 16 centres across the Emirates. Full addresses and operational details are expected to be announced before the official launch. Here’s how many centres expats can expect.
- Abu Dhabi: 6 centres
- Dubai: 2 centres
- Sharjah: 2 centres
- Additional centres in Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Khor Fakkan and Kalba
3. New Health Declaration Requirement For Travel To India
Since the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in Congo, Uganda, as a public health emergency, passengers travelling from the UAE to India have to complete the Air Suvidha 2.0 online self-declaration form before departure.
The digital form must:
- Be submitted within 24 hours before arrival in India
- Include recent travel history and health-related information
- Be available for verification upon arrival at Indian airports
The updated system will help streamline health screening procedures and reduce delays at immigration checkpoints. Travellers need to complete the form before boarding or during online check-in. Once submitted, passengers simply need to present the downloaded confirmation at the International Travel Health Desk or immigration counter, eliminating the need for additional paperwork after landing.
The Bigger Question – Is Your Passport Proof Of Indian Citizenship?
Indian authorities have recently clarified that while a passport remains an important travel and identity document, it is not considered definitive proof of Indian citizenship. According to the clarification:
- Citizenship status is determined using multiple government records and legal provisions
- A passport is issued following verification procedures but does not independently establish nationality
- Citizenship remains governed by the Constitution of India and the Citizenship Act, 1955
The clarification reinforces that passports primarily serve as identity and travel documents rather than the final legal determination of citizenship status.
So, What Should UAE Indians Prepare For
Taken together, these changes represent a major shift for Indian expatriates in the UAE. This includes higher passport costs, a brand-new consular service system, additional travel requirements and updated documentation guidance, all of which point towards a broader overhaul of administrative and travel processes. For Indian residents in the UAE, staying informed and planning ahead will be more important than ever to avoid delays, unexpected expenses and travel disruptions.
These changes can be overwhelming, but with the right information and planning, you don’t need to worry too much. So you’re renewing your passport, booking a trip home or navigating the new ICAC system, a little preparation now could save you plenty of stress later. And for all the latest updates regarding visas, don’t forget to keep reading Gulf Buzz!
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