How to renew your Indian passport in Dubai: A step-by-step guide for NRIs

Living abroad as a non-resident Indian (NRI) presents a challenge in maintaining a valid Indian passport, as it is crucial for both international travel and accessing consular services.

For those residing in Dubai, UAE, renewing an Indian passport is an easy process. The Indian Embassy’s Passport Seva service allows Indian expats to complete the entire application process online and submit it at the BLS International Centre, the outsourcing agency for processing Indian passport and visa applications.

Here’s a step-by-step guide outlining the renewal process for Indian passports in the UAE. Read on if your passport’s expiration date is coming up soon.

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva website and select your region and country.

Go to the Passport Seva website: https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/.
Select the ‘Africa and the Middle East’ category.
Choose ‘United Arab Emirates’ as your country of residence.

Step 2: Create an account or log in.

If you are a new user, click on ‘Register—Register to apply for passport services’.
Fill in the required information, including your embassy or consulate, name, date of birth, email address, and password.
Now log in using your email address and password.

Step 3: Apply for a passport renewal.

Click on the service ‘Register to apply for passport services’ again.
Select ‘Application for applying for an ordinary passport’ and ‘passport reissue’ as the passport type.
Select the reason for a re-issue, such as ‘validity expired within three years or is due to expire’.
Choose your preferred application type: normal or tatkal (urgent).
Select the type of passport booklet: 36 or 60 pages.

Step 4: Fill in your application details.

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Enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, place of birth, and marital status.
Provide your contact information, including your email address and mobile number.
Enter your PAN (Permanent Account Number) or voter ID (if available).
Fill in your employment type, educational qualifications, and other relevant details.
Answer the questions about criminal proceedings, convictions, and foreign citizenship.

Step 5: Enter your family details.

Provide your parents’ and spouse’s names (if applicable).
If you are applying for a minor, enter their passport numbers (if available).

Step 6: Enter your address details, email, and mobile phone number.

For address:

Enter your current address as printed on your passport.
Use the Passport Seva website’s ‘Know Your Police Station’ service to find the closest police station.
Select your state and district, enter the captcha code, and click submit to find the list of police stations in your area.

Step 7: Enter prior passport details.

Passport number
Date of issue
Expiry date
Place of issue

Step 8: Fill in other details.

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After completing your passport details, the last part of the application process consists of a list of questions that will have to be answered, yes or no.

If you have any criminal proceedings
Convicted by a court in India
If you were ever denied or refused a passport
Have you applied for or been granted foreign citizenship?
Have you returned to India on an emergency certificate (outpass)?

Step 9: Review and submit your application.

Carefully review all the information you have entered.
Click on ‘submit’ to submit your application form online.

Step 10: Schedule an appointment and submit your application form at the BLS International Service Office.

The last step is to locate the BLS International Centre, which is located across various branches in the United Arab Emirates.

FAQs:

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Q1. Where are the BLS centres located in the UAE?

BLS Dubai:

BLS Al Khaleej Centre: Units 118–119, Mezzanine Floor Al Khaleej Centre, Opposite Al Ain Centre, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai (Passport and Visa Section)
BLS Deira: Shop No. 13, Ground Floor, Zeenah Building, Opposite to Deira City Centre P3 Parking
Premium lounge: 507, Habib Bank AG Zurich Al Jawarah Building, Bank Street, Bur Dubai, Next to ADCB Bank

BLS Sharjah Indian Association: Indian Association, Near Mega Mall Roundabout, Al Manakh Area
BLS Ras Al Khaimah: Behind the Specialist Medical Centre, IT Computer Cross, Near Sengar Building Material Trading, Dahan Road, Ras Al Khaimah
BLS Fujairah: Indian Social Club, Al Fazil Road, Opp. Hilton Hotel, Fazeel, Fujairah

Q2. What are the documents required at the BLS Centre?

Besides the passport renewal application, the following documents are required for the process:

Original passport copy
UAE Residence Visa Page Copy
Two clear passport photos.

Q3. What’s the eligibility?

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Indian nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates who possess passports nearing expiration are qualified to submit a renewal application. It is a prerequisite that these individuals hold a valid residence visa for the UAE. Generally, the process of passport renewal can be initiated up to six months before the expiration date of the current passport.

Q4. Tatkal cases: How to urgently renew the passport?

In case of an emergency or for newborn babies, one can fast-track the passport renewal process to two working days through the ‘Tatkal’ service via an application form or on a walk-in basis.

However, approval shall be granted by the Consulate to applicants in line with the eligibility and guidelines laid out in this regard. The applications can be tracked at: https://blsindiavisa-uae.com/passport/passport-track-your-passport.php.

Q5. Who should I contact with queries or grievances?

For any grievances or suggestions concerning the service or amenities at the outsourcing centre, please use the feedback forms available at the centre.

One can contact them via:

Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra Toll-Free Number: 800 46342

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