Indian expatriates in the UAE will soon experience a major shift in consular services. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has announced plans to establish a unified Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) across 14 locations in the country. This move aims to simplify and speed up essential services like passport renewal, visa applications, and document attestation under one roof.
Currently, two different agencies handle these services – BLS International for passport and visa processing and IVS Global for attestation services. However, the new ICAC will centralize all services for greater efficiency.
Need for the change
The Indian government aims to streamline consular services and reduce waiting times for the over 4 million Indians living in the UAE. The new centers will ensure:
- Faster processing times – Applications are to be processed within 30 minutes.
- Better accessibility – More service centers in key locations across the UAE.
- Improved transparency – A new website will allow applicants to book appointments and track their applications in real-time.
We initially planned the ICAC project for January 2024 but delayed it due to technical reasons. We have now issued a new tender to ensure a more efficient rollout.
Where Will the New ICAC Centers Be Located?
The Indian Embassy has proposed 14 locations for the new service centers, ensuring accessibility across all emirates:
Abu Dhabi
- Al Khalidiya
- Al Reem
- Musaffah
Dubai
- Bur Dubai
- JLT/Marina
Sharjah
- Al Majaz
Other Emirates
- Al Ain
- Ghayathi
- Al Jurf (Ajman)
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Corniche/Subara (Khor Fakkan)
- Kalba
- Nakheel/Khuzam/Mareed (Ras Al Khaimah)
These locations have been strategically selected to cater to the vast Indian community across the UAE.
What Services Will Be Offered at the New Centers?
The new Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) will provide a wide range of essential services, including:
- Passport renewals and applications
- Visa services for travelers to India
- Document attestation (such as educational and marriage certificates)
- Emergency travel documents
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) services
With all these services under one roof, Indian expats can expect reduced hassle and quicker turnaround times.
What’s New in the Tender Process?
The revised tender for service providers comes with stricter guidelines to improve efficiency. The key highlights include:
- Appointment slots must be available within 5 working days.
- Application processing time is capped at 30 minutes.
- New online tracking system – Applicants can check real-time updates on their submissions.
- Fines for delays – Service providers will be penalized for failing to meet deadlines.
By implementing these changes, the Indian Embassy aims to enhance service quality and ensure a hassle-free experience for applicants.
How Will This Change Benefit Indian Expats?
For years, many Indian expats in the UAE have faced long waiting times and scattered service centers. The ICAC initiative will bring faster, more organized, and transparent services. The key benefits include:
- Less waiting time – Faster processing and appointment availability.
- One-stop solution – No need to visit multiple centers for different services.
- Greater accessibility – More service centers across the UAE.
- Better tracking – Real-time updates on applications through the new system.
With these upgrades, renewing passports, applying for visas, and getting documents attested will become much more convenient.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The transition to the new ICAC centers is expected in the second quarter of 2025. Until then, Indian expats should continue using the existing service providers (BLS International and IVS Global) for their consular needs.
The Indian Embassy’s initiative marks a significant improvement in consular services for Indian expats. With the new ICAC centers, services will be faster, more efficient, and easier to access across the UAE.
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