Dubai: Two weeks after the launch of the revamped Indian passport and consular service system in the UAE, the Indian mission has assured applicants that the current backlog of appointments will be cleared by August 15, coinciding with India's Independence Day.

The new passport service network, operated by Alhind Tours & Travels, is designed to streamline passport and consular services for the UAE's 4.3 million-strong Indian community. A total of 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) are now operational across all seven emirates, offering both pre-booked appointments and emergency walk-in services.

16 Centres Across the UAE

The newly established ICACs are spread across the country, with six centres in Abu Dhabi, two each in Dubai and Sharjah, and one each in Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Khorfakkan, Kalba, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The flagship centre, located at UW Mall in Bur Dubai, spans 12,000 square feet and features more than 70 service counters. It has the capacity to serve up to 8,000 applicants per day, with the objective of completing each customer's visit in under 30 minutes.

Emergency Walk-In Services

The Indian Consulate has clarified that walk-in services are available only for genuine emergency cases. Eligible applicants include:

• Tatkal applicants with proof of urgent travel
• Newborn babies applying for their first passport
• Senior citizens aged 60 years and above
• Applicants seeking Emergency Certificates after losing their passports

Applicants must present supporting documents such as confirmed flight tickets, medical emergency certificates, or other official proof demonstrating the urgency of their request.

Appointment Booking Process

Appointments can be booked online by registering with a valid email address, completing OTP verification, selecting the required service, choosing one of the 16 centres, and booking an available time slot. Applicants can also track the status of their applications through the same portal.

Tatkal Eligibility

The expedited Tatkal passport renewal service is available only for applicants renewing passports without any changes in personal particulars.

Tatkal service is not available for:

• Lost, stolen or severely damaged passports
• Changes in name, date of birth, place of birth, gender or signature
• Significant changes in appearance
• Applicants originating from Nagaland or Jammu & Kashmir
• Certain categories of minors
• Applicants facing criminal cases or adverse police verification
• Documents Required

Applicants seeking passport renewal must carry:

• Original and photocopy of the existing or expired passport
• Copy of valid UAE residence visa
• Original and copy of Emirates ID
• Two recent passport-size photographs as per Government of India specifications

Additional documents may be required for any modifications to passport details.

Revised Passport Fees

Following the fee revision introduced by the Government of India from July 1, 2026, the charges are:

• 36-page passport renewal: Dh450
• Tatkal passport renewal: Dh900
• 60-page Jumbo passport: Additional applicable charges

A flat Dh19 service fee has also been introduced, covering processing, biometric collection and courier services.

Beware of Fraudulent Agents

Indian Consul General Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy has warned applicants against unauthorized agents charging excessive amounts to secure appointments or fast-track applications, urging the public to use only official channels.

Appointment Slots Released Twice Daily

Due to heavy demand, appointment slots remain limited. To improve accessibility, the Consulate is releasing new appointments twice every day at 9:00 am and 9:00 pm (UAE time). Applicants are encouraged to log in at these times to improve their chances of securing a booking.

Processing Time

According to the Consulate General of India, passport processing times currently are:

• Tatkal Service: Around 3 working days, subject to document verification.
• Regular Service: Approximately 7 to 15 working days, depending on application volume and police verification requirements.

Officials said the upgraded technology and increased staffing at the new centres are expected to significantly reduce processing times once the existing backlog is cleared.

Applicants are advised to submit complete and accurate documentation and regularly monitor their application status through the official online portal to avoid unnecessary delays.