Dubai: Indian expatriates across the UAE can now collect their passports on Sundays, making it easier for working residents who are unable to visit passport service centres during regular weekday hours.

Alhind Global Services, which operates all 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE, has introduced a dedicated Sunday passport collection counter at every centre. The service will be available from 10am to 12pm every Sunday.

The initiative is aimed at providing greater convenience to the Indian community, particularly those who find it difficult to take time off work to collect their passports or arrange alternative delivery options.

Consular services streamlined

Alhind took over passport renewal, document attestation and other consular services in the UAE in July 2026. The Kerala-based company had won the tender in November 2025, but the rollout was delayed following a legal challenge over the tendering process.

During the legal proceedings, Indian missions in the UAE directly handled consular services, resulting in delays and difficulties for several applicants, particularly during the peak summer travel period.

Following the eventual rollout of Alhind's services on July 22, the service provider initially faced a significant backlog. Alhind has now confirmed that 100 per cent of the pending backlog has been cleared, with appointments available across all 16 centres.

The company said operations have been streamlined, with applications and passport services being processed more efficiently.

Flat Dh19 service charge

As part of its service offering, Alhind has introduced a flat Dh19 service charge covering several basic application-related services, including form filling, photography, photocopying and courier arrangements.

The availability of these facilities at the centres means applicants do not have to rely on external agencies for routine application requirements.

Recently, Consul General of India in Dubai Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy also cautioned members of the Indian community against fraudulent third-party agents who charge excessive fees for appointment bookings.

The Consulate is also working towards greater use of technology in passport-related services to reduce unnecessary travel and dependence on intermediaries.

Appointment timings

Appointments for consular services can be booked online, with new slots released at 9am and 9pm from Monday to Saturday.

All 16 ICACs across the UAE currently operate from 8am to 6pm. Applicants are permitted to enter the centres only 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

The Bur Dubai centre, one of the busiest locations, has 45 counters to help reduce waiting times and improve service efficiency.

With the introduction of Sunday passport collection, Indian expatriates who cannot visit the centres during working hours now have an additional option to collect their passports at a more convenient time.