Electronic Passports Revolutionize Indian Expats in UAE

Electronic Passports: A New Era for Indians in UAE

A new epoch has begun for Indian nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates concerning passport handling. From the end of October 2025, every new or renewed Indian passport will be issued exclusively in e-passport form. This decision has been officially confirmed by the Consulate General of India in Dubai, additionally highlighting the benefits and efficiency of the new digital system.

What is an e-passport?

The e-passport is a modern, paper-based document equipped with electronic enhancements, containing an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip and an antenna. This chip stores the holder's personal and biometric data in digital form, aiming to prevent forgery, speed up verification, and enhance traveler protection.

This technology operates in line with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards and can compare the data stored on the digital chip with the physical appearance of the passport, promptly filtering out forgery attempts at border checks.

Complete Transition to E-Passports in the UAE

For Indian expats residing in the UAE, the new e-passport system is now mandatory. This means all new applications or renewals take place on the digitally updated GPSP 2.0 (Global Passport Seva Programme) platform, which simplifies the process, reduces wait times, and increases data security.

The new online system can be accessed at the following official site: https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login

Through the portal, clients can enter their required data and upload the necessary documents themselves. The advantage of the new system is that data entry takes only a few minutes—sufficient to provide the previous passport number, complete the identification process, and submit the application.

Optional Transition for Already Submitted Applications

An important transitional detail is that those who have already submitted their paper-based applications for passport renewal at any service provider have a choice. They can opt to keep their old application and receive a traditional paper-based passport or switch to the online platform to request the new e-passport.

This option is particularly important for those eager to travel urgently or already have scheduled appointments at a passport service center.

Safer Documents, Faster Processing

The new passports are not just technologically advanced but significantly more secure. The RFID chip allows for instant data verification at border checks. If the physical characteristics of the passport do not match the information on the chip, the system immediately signals a problem.

Furthermore, only biometric photos that comply with ICAO requirements can be used for the new passports. Applications could be rejected if the photo quality or format is not satisfactory, as the system extracts necessary biometric points for facial recognition from this image. However, fingerprints or other physical biometrics are still not recorded in the foreign application process.

Processing Time and Fees Remain Unchanged

Alongside the introduction of the new system, official reports indicate there will be no increase in administrative fees, nor will the issuance time be extended. This is particularly crucial for those preparing for the year-end travel season or wishing to receive their new passports rapidly due to expiring documents.

The possibility of uploading documents online greatly contributes to the expedited processing. Preliminary administration done through the new portal significantly reduces time spent in BLS centers, thereby enhancing customer experience.

What Does This Mean Practically for Indians in the UAE?

Hundreds of thousands of Indian nationals live and work in the United Arab Emirates, many of whom renew their passports annually or biennially. The introduction of the e-passport makes this process simpler, quicker, and safer while yielding a travel document that complies with modern global standards.

The digital transition not only speeds up administration but marks a significant step in terms of national image: India is clearly signaling to the world its intention to remain at the forefront of the digital era—and extends this approach to its citizens living abroad.

Conclusion

The introduction of e-passports for Indian expats in the UAE is a well-prepared, secure, and customer-friendly step. The implementation of the GPSP 2.0 system simplifies administrative processes, while RFID technology and biometric standards strengthen document authenticity. Anyone wishing to renew their Indian passport in the UAE can now do so only according to the new system—making the e-passport not a future option but a present reality.

This component of digital citizenship has now reached one of the largest diasporas in the Middle East region, equipped with a modern, internationally recognized system.

(Source of the article: Consulate General of India (CGI) communiqué.)