Four Indian passport centres in the UAE stopped operating on 22 October. Meanwhile, 12 others remain open, the Indian Embassy UAE announced, according to Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
Which Indian passport centres in UAE have closed
The embassy shut four Indian Consular Application Centres:
- Musaffah, Abu Dhabi
- Al Reem, Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Investment Park I, Dubai
- Al Majaz, Sharjah
Khaleej Times reported that the closures were for administrative reasons. However, no further explanation has been given.
Open Indian passport centres in UAE
In other words, Indian consular, passport, visa and attestation services continue at 12 centres. Meanwhile, Dubai residents can still use the Bur Dubai centre, and Sharjah and the other northern emirates keep their own centres. Abu Dhabi residents can use Al Danah or Al Ain. In Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, these are Al Danah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed and Ghayathi. In Dubai and the Northern Emirates, they are Bur Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.
Passport services for Indian expats
According to the embassy, an outside company, Al Hind Tours & Travels, runs these services. As a result, residents who used the closed centres now have to visit another one. This affects people in Musaffah, Al Reem, Dubai Investments Park and Sharjah’s Al Majaz area. The embassy did not say whether staff or opening hours at the remaining centres will change. The reports also did not mention appointment rules or waiting times.
Therefore, applicants should check the Indian Embassy UAE website for addresses, working hours and appointment rules. Arrangements can change at short notice, so it is worth confirming details before travelling. Please share this update with friends and family who may be affected. For more updates, see our UAE news page.
Source: Based on reports by Gulf News and Khaleej Times, and an announcement by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi.
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