The Consulate General of India in Dubai has rolled out Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (PSP 2.0), a major upgrade to India’s passport services for its expatriate community in the UAE. The initiative, which officially took effect on October 28, 2025, introduces e-passports embedded with advanced electronic chips, enhancing both the security and efficiency of Indian travel documents.
Under this new system, Indian citizens in Dubai and across the UAE will benefit from a streamlined online application process, reduced waiting times, and improved document authentication. The launch marks a significant step in the Government of India’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, ensuring that overseas Indians enjoy faster and more reliable consular services.
The e-passport, compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, will include an embedded microchip containing biometric and personal data, allowing for secure identity verification at immigration checkpoints. This technology aims to make international travel smoother while reducing the risk of document forgery or misuse.
Through the new online portal, applicants can now upload photographs, signatures, and supporting documents directly. The platform has been designed for greater convenience, reducing the need for in-person interactions and cutting down processing times at BLS International service centres. Minor corrections to applications can also be made without having to re-enter entire forms — a common frustration under the earlier system.
To apply for the new passport, applicants must create an account on the official Passport Seva website, complete the digital form, print it, and book an appointment through BLS International before visiting their nearest BLS centre with the required documents.
Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Sivan, said the initiative reflects India’s commitment to supporting its global diaspora with world-class administrative systems. “The upgraded platform is a key milestone in bringing efficiency, transparency, and user-centric design to our consular operations,” he stated, adding that e-passports would significantly improve document verification at airports worldwide.
The PSP 2.0 rollout follows India’s broader digital governance mission, under which several embassies and consulates have been modernising their passport services. Officials confirmed that the Dubai consulate is among the first in the Gulf region to introduce the new system, which will soon be expanded to other missions.
Indian expats in the UAE — one of the largest overseas Indian communities — have welcomed the update, with many praising the move for reducing paperwork and simplifying renewals. For frequent travellers and professionals, the e-passport is expected to be particularly beneficial, offering a faster and more secure travel experience.
With PSP 2.0, the Indian Consulate in Dubai aims to set a new benchmark for efficient, citizen-friendly services abroad, while reinforcing India’s reputation for adopting cutting-edge digital infrastructure in public administration.
