All UAE Expats Applying for an Indian Passport Will Now Receive an e-Passport

According to officials from the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai, Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now receive a digital Indian passport, also known as an e-passport, for all new passport applications and renewals. Moreover, the system took effect after India officially launched the Indian e-passport on the 28th of October. However, it is a big step towards enhanced travel security and seamless global verification. 

Transition to e-Passport Begins for Indians in UAE

According to CGI officials, traditional paper passports will no longer be issued for new applicants. Moreover, every applicant who applies through the new system will automatically receive the RFID-embedded electronic passport. However, those who have already filled out their renewal forms earlier can choose one of the two options mentioned below: 

• Continue with the existing application (receive a traditional passport)
• Reapply through the new digital system (receive an e-passport)

CGI Dubai Consul General Satish Sivan clarified that the choice applies only to people with existing appointments in the next few days. 

What is an Indian ePassport?

It is a secure travel document that combines the following elements:

• Traditional passport booklet
• Embedded RFID chip & antenna
• Digital storage of biometric & personal data

 It is important to note that the chip is going to hold the personal particulars and Biometric information (photo-based biometric extraction) of the holder. 

Enhanced Security for Indian Travellers

The officials highlighted that the chip will help the immigration system to detect tampering instantly. A. Amarnath, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of India, UAE, said, “If someone tries to forge the passport, it will be immediately detectable as the physical information must match the digital chip data”. This upgrade ensures compliance with international ICAO security standards. Hence, it boosts the global trust in the Indian passport.

Faster Application Through GPSP 2.0 Portal

The Indian government has also introduced a new streamlined digital system, GPSP 2.0, which makes the process significantly faster. Amarnath said, “The new system is going to take applicants only two minutes to fill out their details.” Here, you only need to enter your old passport number, verify the details, and submit.

Where to Apply for an Indian e-Passport in the UAE

You are now required to submit the application through the upgrade portal, i.e, mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login. The new digital process aims to reduce the waiting time at the BLS centre because the documents are already uploaded online. 

Important Requirements for Applicants

• Must upload an ICAO-compliant biometric photo
• Non-compliant photos may delay processing
• No fingerprint collection required abroad at this stage

 Processing Time & Fees Unchanged

• No change in processing timeframe
•  No change in service fees
• No change in delivery method

Why Digital Indian Passport Matters for Indians in UAE

The  United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a home to more than 3.5 millions Indians. However, many of whom renew their passport per year. So, Indian can enjoy the following perks with this move:

• Travel security improves dramatically
• Immigration checks become faster globally
• Passport fraud becomes harder, protecting citizens

Quick Summary

This transition shows the commitment of India to modernising global travel for its citizens. Hence, the Indian expats in the UAE are requested to use the new portal and ensure passport photos meet the biometrics standards to avoid any kind of hurdle. 

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