As the summer travel season peaks, many Indian expatriates in the UAE are facing disruptions in securing passport renewals and consular services due to a transition between service providers. Following a legal challenge regarding a new contract, the Indian mission has stepped in to manage services directly at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. To streamline the process, these facilities are currently operating on a walk-in basis from 9 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. Because only the applicant is permitted inside the premises—with the exception of guardians accompanying minors—the mission is prioritizing a first-come, first-served system and has implemented waiting areas with snacks and water to manage the high volume of visitors.

It is crucial for applicants to note that payments must be made strictly in cash for the updated fee structure, which came into effect on July 1. For a standard 36-page passport, the cost is now Dh450 for normal service and Dh900 for Tatkaal, while 60-page booklets are priced at Dh630 and Dh1,080 respectively. While the legal dispute regarding the official handover to the new service provider, Alhind Tours & Travels, remains ongoing, the mission is working to minimize inconvenience by hosting mobile attestation services in Sharjah and Fujairah. Expats are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates and reach out to the consulate via their dedicated toll-free number or WhatsApp for specific queries while the situation remains in flux.