Major Changes Coming to Indian Passport & Attestation Services in UAE by 2025

In a significant move to enhance consular services for the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Indian Embassy has unveiled plans to revamp its passport and attestation service centers throughout 2025. This initiative aims to better serve the more than four million Indians residing in the UAE, as well as foreign nationals seeking Indian visas.

Introduction of Integrated Consular Application Centres (ICACs)

Central to this overhaul is the proposed establishment of 14 Integrated Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE. These centers are designed to streamline and unify various consular services, including passport renewals, document attestations, and visa applications, under one roof. The ICACs are expected to significantly reduce processing times and improve the overall efficiency of service delivery.

Enhanced Facilities and Accessibility

The new ICACs will feature state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate the high volume of applicants. For instance, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has recently relocated its attestation services to a larger facility at Al Nasr Central, Oud Metha. The expanded office, now spanning 6,400 square feet—up from the previous 4,000 square feet—includes a spacious premium lounge and a general waiting area, ensuring greater comfort for applicants. This move was driven by the growing demand for attestation services among both Indian and foreign nationals in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Commitment to Improved Service Delivery

Consul General of India, Satish Kumar Sivan, emphasized the mission’s dedication to providing streamlined and efficient services. “We are committed to providing a streamlined and efficient service to all applicants, and this move reflects our continuous efforts to improve our offerings. Our new location will enable us to better serve the needs of the Indian community and all those who require attestation services in Dubai,” he stated.

Satyajitsinh Duleepsinh Gaekwad, Managing Director of SGIVS Global, the firm operating the outsourced attestation services, added, “We remain dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through our state-of-the-art facilities and technology-driven processes.”

Range of Services Offered

The ICACs will offer a comprehensive range of consular services, including:

• Passport renewals and applications
• Attestation of documents such as death certificates, power of attorney, sworn affidavits, passport copies, medical certificates, and company documents
• Visa processing for foreign nationals
• The consulate currently processes approximately 250 attestation requests daily, with the capacity to handle up to 750 on peak days, ensuring a maximum processing time of 20 minutes.

Accessibility and Convenience

To ensure accessibility, the new centers are strategically located near public transportation hubs. The Dubai facility, for example, is situated close to the Oud Metha Metro Station and Oud Metha Central Bus Station, making it convenient for applicants relying on public transport.

Transition Timeline

Applicants are advised to stay informed about the specific timelines for the transition to the new ICACs. The consulate has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize disruptions during the relocation process. For instance, during the recent move in Dubai, the center was closed for relocation on a Saturday to ensure a smooth transition.

Looking Ahead

This comprehensive overhaul reflects the Indian missions’ commitment to enhancing service delivery and addressing the evolving needs of the Indian diaspora in the UAE. By consolidating services into unified centers and upgrading facilities, the embassy aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all applicants.