Indian expats rush for renewal of passports amid delays

With summer travel season in full swing, hundreds of Indian expats are scrambling for passport renewal and other consular services.

- Nasreen Abdulla

However, Indian consular services in the UAE have been in flux since July 1 due to a combination of factors: the expiration of contracts with previous service providers, a planned transition to a new provider, and an ongoing legal battle that has delayed the handover.

Starting from July 1, the Indian mission has begun offering limited consular services at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai. Here is everything expats need to know about how they can get their services:

What services are being offered?

Currently, the Indian mission is offering passport, visa, attestation, and miscellaneous services.

What are the timings?

The services are being offered from 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Saturday. There are no appointments and people can go as walk-ins only, strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who can enter the building?

Only the applicant is allowed inside to avoid crowding. Parents may accompany minor applicants.

How can payments be done?