New rates for passport services of Indian migrants in UAE: Details

Passport service rates have been sharply increased, dealing a major blow to Indian emigrants in the UAE. The Dubai Indian Consulate announced that the revised rates are effective from today. These new rates will be applicable uniformly across the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate in Dubai, and other official passport service centres throughout the UAE. The central government's action is part of an initiative to standardise passport rates at Indian diplomatic missions worldwide.

The change comes after a long 14 years
This is the first major change in rates in 14 years. A significant increase in normal rates. As per the new rates, adults will now have to pay 450 dirhams to renew or obtain a new ordinary 36-page passport. Previously, this was 285 dirhams. This means there has been an increase of approximately 60 per cent in this category.

To obtain the same passport urgently through the Tatkal system, it will cost 900 dirhams. The new rate for a new 60-page passport renewed through the normal process is 630 dirhams, and 1080 dirhams through Tatkal. The cost to obtain a new passport if it is lost or damaged is very high. In this category, normal applications will cost 900 dirhams for 36 pages and 1,080 dirhams for 60 pages. If obtained through Tatkal, these will be raised to 1,350 dirhams and 1530 dirhams, respectively.

Change in children's passport rates too
The new rate to renew a 36-page passport for children under 18 through the normal process is 325 dirhams. Previously, this was 190 dirhams. For children's Tatkal applications, 775 dirhams must be paid. If a child's passport is lost or damaged, the charges are 775 dirhams for the normal process and 1,225 dirhams for Tatkal.

However, a 10 per cent discount has been granted for applications for new passports for children up to eight years of age. With this, they will only need to pay 295 dirhams for normal applications and 700 dirhams for Tatkal. However, this benefit will not be available for passport renewals. The maximum validity for adult passports will be 10 years, and for children, 5 years. The rates for other ancillary services, such as Police Clearance Certificate and Passport Surrender Certificate, have been increased from 95 dirhams to 145 dirhams. Urgent Travel Documents will be charged at 60 dirhams, and Identity Certificates at 180 dirhams. These two services will not be available through Tatkal. In addition to these basic rates set by the government, service charges from service providers and the emigrant welfare fund will have to be paid separately. This rate hike is being implemented alongside the new agency, Al Hind Tours and Travels, which is taking over the consular services in the UAE.