NRI alert: Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi clarifies passport renewal services for Indian expats in UAE

NRI alert: Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi clarifies passport renewal services for Indian expats in UAE

Mangalore Today News Network

Abu Dhabi, January 20, 2025: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has clarified different services for passport renewal to enable Indian expats in the UAE “to understand the available services and ensure a smooth passport renewal process.”

Taking to social media, the mission posted the differences between existing passport renewal services. “Know more about the passport renewal services. Plan wisely for a smooth process,” the Embassy stated on X.

The explanation provided is related to the services offered as Normal Passport Renewal Service, Tatkal Passport Renewal Service and Premium Lounge Service for passport renewal.

Passport Renewal Made Simple

Know more about the passport renewal services. Plan wisely for a smooth process.#PassportRenewal #IncredibleIndia #IndianEmbassy #IndianEmbassyAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/SonQdsd6ET

— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) January 15, 2025

The mission clarified the processing time taken in each service category and made it clear that applying through the Premium Lounge Service (offered by the outsourced service provider BLS International with an additional fee for premium customer service) does not guarantee fast-tracking the renewal. As per the explanation provided, fast-track renewal of passports can be done only through the Tatkal service for which an additional fee is levied by the Indian Embassy and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

Booking vs Walk-in

In the UAE, Indian passport applications are collected and dispatched through BLS International’s centres while the applications are processed by the Indian missions in collaboration with multiple departments under the Government of India.

For submitting the application, Indian expats in the UAE have to book an appointment with one of the BLS centres including the ones located in the premises of different Indian community associations and the BLS Premium Lounges in Dubai or Abu Dhabi through the company’s website.

The Indian Embassy has clarified that no prior appointment is required for those seeking Tatkal Passport Renewal Service. Walk-ins are accepted for all Tatkal applicants, the mission stated.

Police clearance from India

A police clearance from India is required for passport renewal services. However, this happens at different stages depending on the category of service chosen at the time of application.

While police clearance is required prior to issuing the passports processed under Normal Passport Renewal Service, police clearance happens after the passport issuance in the case of passports processed under Tatkal Passport Renewal Service, the mission has clarified.

Processing time

The standard processing time is three to four working days under the Normal Passport Renewal Service, according to the mission.

However, Tatkal passports are issued the next working day or even the same day if applied before 12 noon.

The mission also clarified that passports submitted through the Premium Lounge Service are processed under normal timelines.

Why opt for Premium Lounge?

Meanwhile, the website of BLS International has also clarified the services offered through its Premium Lounges.

“The Premium Lounge (PL) Service is an optional, value-added service provided by BLS International to enhance the convenience and comfort of the passport/visa application process. It will be a delightful experience for applicants who want personalised service. There will be an additional non-refundable charge of Dh236.25 (including VAT) for availing PL service in addition to the fees charged by the Embassy/ Consulate and BLS Service fee,” the BLS site said.

“Premium Lounge service is not a fast-track mechanism for passport/visa services. Applications submitted through Premium Lounge will be processed as per the normal procedure for passport/visa/ miscellaneous services by the Embassy and Consulate.”

Appointments at Premium Lounges

According to BLS, it is mandatory to book an appointment online for accessing the PL services in Abu Dhabi.

“Services at Premium Lounge in Abu Dhabi will be extended only on the basis of prior appointments. Walk-in applicants will not be accepted. Applicants are also encouraged to avail appointments at Premium Lounge in Dubai. In case of requirement of passport on an urgent basis, the applicants can avail Tatkal services at any of the regular BLS centres as walk-in,” the company stated.

Fee disclaimer

According to BLS, the premium services provided in Premium Lounge include personalised assistance through a representative and comfortable seating area with amenities such as tea/coffee.

The company has also stated that the service fee for Premium Lounge does not include government fee or BLS service charge. “Passport/Visa fee and other government charges and BLS Service fee will have to be paid separately. Other optional value added services such as form filling, photographs, SMS Notification, Courier facility are charged additionally as per applicable rates if availed by applicant.”

Know the differences

Here are the differences among the three types of passport renewal services clarified by the mission in a nutshell.

Normal Passport Renewal Service: Processed by the Embassy/Consulate:

Standard processing time: 3-4 working days.

Subject to police clearance in India before issuance.

Tatkal Passport Renewal Service:

Fast-track option for urgent needs.

Police clearance happens after passport issuance.

Passport issued the next working day or even the same day if applied before 12 noon.

No prior appointment required; walk-ins are accepted.

Premium Lounge Service:

Offered at designated centres

Not a fast-track service

Passports are processed under normal timelines

Charges for passport renewal services:

For Adults (36 pages booklet) -Dh285

For Adults (60 pages jumbo booklet) — Dh380

For Tatkal Service (36 pages booklet)-Dh855

For Tatkal Service (60 pages jumbo booklet) -Dh950

Services Charge — Dh9

Indian Community Welfare Fund — Dh8

Premium Lounge Service Charge: Dh236.25 apart from all other service charges and fees.