Indian community in UAE prepares for Independence Day and new passport services

The Indian mission in the UAE is implementing new measures to support its community of 4.3 million nationals. To address appointment backlogs, 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) have been established across all seven emirates, operated by Alhind Tours & Travels. The flagship facility in Bur Dubai, Dubai, can accommodate up to 8,000 applicants daily, with a goal of clearing current backlogs by August 15, 2026.

A revised fee schedule for passport renewals went into effect on July 1, 2026. Standard reissue fees for a 36-page passport are Dh450, while a 60-page passport costs Dh630. A flat Dh19 service charge from Alhind Tours & Travels applies to cover administrative tasks such as form filling and document typing.

Simultaneously, the Indian community in the UAE is preparing to celebrate India's 80th Independence Day on August 15. Official flag-hoisting ceremonies will be held at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai. The celebrations include the "Surya Path Tiranga" global relay and the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, which encourages citizens to hoist the national flag at home.