What happened?
The Government of India has officially shifted passport, visa, attestation and consular services in the UAE to Al Hind Tours & Travels, which has launched 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs).
Who is affected?
All Indian nationals in the UAE applying for passport renewals, new passports, visas, attestation or other consular services.
Why does it matter?
Applications can no longer be submitted directly at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Applicants must now book appointments through the new ICAC system, except for select walk-in categories.
Indian nationals living in the UAE now have a new process for applying for passports and accessing consular services. From July 22, 2026, the Government of India has officially outsourced passport, visa, attestation and other consular services to Al Hind Tours & Travels, which will operate 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the Emirates.
The change was announced by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai following approval from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It means applicants will no longer submit applications directly at the Embassy or Consulate, with all routine services now handled through the new ICAC network.
The move is expected to make services more accessible for the UAE’s large Indian community by expanding the number of service centres and introducing a unified appointment and application system.
How can Indian expats apply for a passport under the new system?
The application process remains largely familiar, but applications must now be submitted through an authorised ICAC centre.
Applicants must first complete the online application through the Passport Seva Portal before booking an appointment at their preferred ICAC location.
The process includes:
- Complete the online passport application.
- Book an appointment through the new ICAC portal.
- Select a preferred centre, date and time.
- Carry original documents and supporting paperwork.
- Visit the centre at the scheduled appointment.
- Submit the application and pay the applicable fees.
- Keep the receipt to track the application.
- Collect the passport or opt for courier delivery after processing.
According to the Embassy, appointment slots are released twice every day at 9am and 9pm, giving applicants more opportunities to secure convenient time slots.
Where are the new Indian Consular Application Centres located?
One of the biggest changes is the wider network of service centres spread across the UAE.
The 16 ICACs are located in:
- Al Danah (Abu Dhabi)
- Musaffah
- Al Reem Island
- Al Ain
- Madinat Zayed
- Ghayathi
- Bur Dubai
- Dubai Investment Park
- Al Majaz (Sharjah)
- Indian Association Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Kalba
- Khor Fakkan
By expanding beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the new system reduces travel time for applicants living in the Northern Emirates and Al Dhafra region.
All centres operate daily from 8am to 6pm.
What are the new passport fees and who can use walk-in services?
Applicants will continue paying the Government of India passport fee along with a service charge of AED 19 (inclusive of VAT) collected by Al Hind.
The service charge includes:
- Form filling assistance
- Photograph service
- Typing support
- Photocopying
- Printouts
- Domestic courier service
Current passport fees are:
- Normal passport: AED 477
- Tatkal passport: AED 927
The Embassy has also confirmed that certain applicants do not need prior appointments.
Walk-in services are available for:
- Tatkal passport applications
- Newborn passport applications
- Emergency Certificate (EC) cases
- Senior citizens aged 60 years and above
These applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why did India outsource passport services in the UAE?
The transition follows several months of legal uncertainty surrounding the Ministry of External Affairs’ global outsourcing contract.
Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court set aside the ministry’s outsourcing tender after identifying irregularities in the bidding process and directed the government to issue a fresh tender.
However, the Ministry of External Affairs argued that cancelling the contracts would significantly disrupt passport and consular services for millions of Indians living overseas.
On July 21, 2026, the Supreme Court of India stayed the Delhi High Court’s order, allowing the Ministry to continue with the outsourcing arrangement while the legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Following the court’s decision, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai confirmed that Al Hind Tours & Travels would officially begin operations across the UAE from July 22.
What does this mean for Indian residents in the UAE?
The UAE is home to the world’s largest overseas Indian community, with more than 3.8 million Indian nationals living and working across the country, according to official estimates.
For many residents, passport renewals, attestation services and emergency documentation are essential for employment, family sponsorship, education, banking and travel.
The expanded ICAC network is expected to improve accessibility by offering more locations outside major cities while reducing pressure on embassy and consulate counters.
Applicants can also benefit from online appointment booking, application tracking and optional courier delivery, making the overall process more convenient.
Why It Matters?
The new system brings several practical changes for Indian expats across the UAE.
Key takeaways include:
- Applications are no longer accepted at the Embassy or Consulate.
- More service centres are now available across all seven emirates.
- Appointment booking is fully digital.
- Senior citizens and emergency applicants can still use walk-in services.
- The new process is designed to improve accessibility and reduce travel for residents living outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
For most applicants, the transition means a smoother and more decentralised process for accessing essential consular services.
FAQs
Can I still renew my passport at the Indian Consulate in Dubai?
No. From July 22, 2026, passport applications must be submitted through an authorised Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC).
How many Indian passport centres are now available in the UAE?
16 ICAC centres are operating across all seven emirates.
When are passport appointment slots released?
New appointments are released every day at 9 am and 9 pm.
Who can visit without an appointment?
Tatkal applicants, newborn passport applicants, Emergency Certificate applicants and senior citizens aged 60 years and above can use walk-in services.
How much does a normal Indian passport application cost in the UAE?
A normal passport application costs AED 477, while Tatkal applications cost AED 927, in addition to the AED 19 service charge.
Indian nationals in the UAE should now use the new ICAC centres operated by Al Hind Tours & Travels for passport, visa, attestation and other consular services. With 16 centres spread across the country, the new system aims to improve access, reduce travel for applicants and streamline the application process through online appointments and expanded service locations.
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