The Indian Consulate in the UAE announced on July 10 that walk-in facilities for passport renewal are no longer available. Indian expatriates must now book appointments online to access passport renewal services. The consulate also stated that BLS International and SGIVS Global no longer have approval to provide consular services, marking a shift in how passport renewals are managed for the Indian community in the UAE, according to livemint.com.
The consulate issued a notice detailing the new appointment process for passport renewal applications. Previously, applicants could visit consular offices without prior appointments, but the change requires scheduling through the official online system. This move aims to streamline service delivery and manage applicant flow more efficiently. The removal of BLS International and SGIVS Global from the list of approved service providers means the consulate will handle applications directly or through other authorized channels, per livemint.com.
This change reflects a broader trend of digitization and stricter control over consular services for overseas Indians. The shift to appointment-only services is expected to reduce wait times and improve the overall experience for passport renewals. It also aligns with global practices where consulates manage services through scheduled appointments to enhance security and operational efficiency. The decision impacts thousands of Indian expatriates in the UAE who rely on timely passport renewals for travel and legal documentation, as reported by livemint.com.
The new appointment system took effect immediately following the July 10 notice, requiring all applicants to comply with the updated process. The Indian Consulate in the UAE emphasized that no walk-in applications will be accepted henceforth, aiming to ensure a smoother and more organized passport renewal experience for the Indian diaspora in the region, according to livemint.com.