E-Passport Update: What Indians In UAE Should Know

Starting October 28, only e-passports will be issued to Indians in the UAE applying for new passports or renewals. The overall procedure stays mostly the same, with certain updates under the new Passport Seva Programme. The new Global Passport Seva Portal 2.0 comes with a range of features aimed at making the passport application process smoother and more efficient. The updated portal now includes an auto-fill feature. Those renewing their passports can simply enter their old passport number, and the system will pull up all their existing details automatically.

A key update in the new passport system is that applicants must now submit a photograph that meets the International Civil Aviation Organization standards. For now, people applying for passport services from the UAE don’t need to give biometric details. Officials have clarified that the service fees for the new e-passport will remain the same. Existing Indian passport holders don’t need to hurry for a renewal, as their passports will stay valid until the expiry date. Those who have already applied and filled out their forms can still receive a regular passport, but going forward, all new passports issued will be e-passports.