Millions of Indian expatriates living in the UAE should be aware of an important update regarding Indian passport renewal in UAE. The Embassy of India has temporarily suspended regular passport renewal services across the country from June 26 to June 30, 2026, as it transitions to a new outsourced service provider.
The temporary pause affects appointment bookings and passport application submissions. However, emergency passport services remain available through the Indian Embassy and Consulate for genuine urgent cases. From July 1, 2026, a completely new passport renewal system will begin under Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC, replacing the long-standing service provider, BLS International.
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Why is Indian Passport Renewal in UAE Temporarily Suspended?
The Indian government has introduced a new outsourced partner to improve passport and consular services throughout the UAE.
The transition period runs from June 26 until June 30, 2026, during which routine passport applications and appointment bookings are unavailable.
Transition Timeline
- June 25, 2026: Final day to submit passport applications at BLS International.
- June 26–30, 2026: Passport renewal services remain suspended.
- July 1, 2026: Al Hind Tours and Travel officially begins operations across the UAE.
Applicants who already submitted their passport renewal requests before June 25 do not need to submit another application. Their applications will continue to be processed without interruption.
BLS International Replaced by Al Hind
One of the biggest changes in Indian passport renewal in UAE is the replacement of BLS International.
Starting July 1, Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC becomes the official outsourcing partner for:
- Passport services
- Visa applications
- Attestation services
- Other Indian consular services
The new operator will establish 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across all seven emirates to improve accessibility and reduce waiting times.
Emergency Passport Renewal During the Suspension
Although routine passport services are temporarily unavailable, emergency cases will still receive assistance.
Individuals facing urgent travel due to medical emergencies, family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances can directly contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
Emergency Contact Details
Toll-Free Helpline
800 46342 (800 INDIA)
Emergency WhatsApp
+971 54 309 0571
Applicants should provide supporting documents explaining the emergency when requesting urgent assistance.
What’s New from July 1, 2026?
The new passport renewal system introduces several improvements designed to simplify Indian passport renewal in UAE.
1. New Appointment Portal
The previous BLS booking website will no longer accept appointments.
Applicants must create a new account on the Al Hind appointment portal before booking a passport renewal appointment.
2. Sixteen New Passport Centres
Al Hind will operate 16 ICAC centres across the UAE.
Major facilities include:
- Six centres in Abu Dhabi
- Two large centres in Dubai
- A 12,000-square-foot Bur Dubai facility with more than 45 service counters
These additional centres are expected to reduce waiting periods significantly.
3. Transparent Service Fee
Applicants will pay a flat AED 19 service charge, in addition to the standard government passport fees.
This transparent pricing replaces varying service costs and simplifies payment.
Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Passport Renewal in UAE
After July 1, applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You can renew your passport if:
- It expires within one year.
- Your passport has no blank visa pages.
- Your passport has been damaged or lost.
- You require changes to personal information.
Step 2: Complete the Passport Application
Visit the Government of India Passport Seva portal.
Fill in the online application, select the UAE as your location, and print the completed form.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Register on the new Al Hind appointment portal.
Choose your preferred Indian Consular Application Centre and appointment date.
Step 4: Visit the Centre
Carry:
- Printed application form
- Original passport
- Emirates ID
- UAE residence visa copy
- Passport-sized photographs
- Required fees
Your biometric verification will be completed during your appointment.
Beware of Passport Renewal Scams
During the transition period, scammers may attempt to exploit applicants by offering fake appointments or “priority” bookings.
The Indian Embassy advises applicants to:
- Use only official government websites.
- Follow verified embassy announcements.
- Avoid unauthorized typing centres promising quicker appointments.
- Never share passport information with unofficial agents.
Always verify information before making any payments.
How This Change Benefits Indian Expats
The updated passport renewal system aims to make Indian passport renewal in UAE faster, more efficient, and more accessible.
Benefits include:
- More passport service centres
- Shorter appointment waiting times
- Better customer support
- Improved online booking system
- Transparent service charges
For over four million Indians living in the UAE, these upgrades are expected to significantly improve the overall passport renewal experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indian passport renewal suspended in the UAE?
Yes. Routine passport renewal services are suspended from June 26 to June 30, 2026, during the transition to a new service provider.
Who is replacing BLS International?
Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC becomes the official outsourcing partner for Indian passport and consular services from July 1, 2026.
What happens if I already submitted my passport application?
Applications submitted on or before June 25, 2026, remain valid and will continue to be processed. No new application is required.
Can I renew my passport during the suspension?
Only genuine emergency passport cases are being handled directly by the Indian Embassy and Consulate until regular services resume on July 1, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The temporary suspension of Indian passport renewal in UAE is only part of a planned transition to a modernized consular service system. While routine applications remain paused until July 1, emergency services continue to be available for urgent situations.
Indian nationals should prepare by gathering their documents, creating a new account on the upcoming appointment portal, and relying only on official embassy communications for updates. The introduction of Al Hind and the new ICAC network promises a more convenient and efficient passport renewal process for Indian residents across the UAE.
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