Key Highlights
India is poised to implement the revamped Passport Seva 2.0 (GPSP 2.0) for Indian nationals in the UAE starting 28 October 2025, in a major step to modernise its consular services to its citizens abroad. The new system will bring in the use of e-passports that have secure micro-chips, a renewed application and upload portal online, and learner procedures that will curb the waiting period and make travel in the world more global-ready.
What is Passport Seva 2.0 and Why is It Being Introduced?
Passport Seva 2.0 is an extension of the previous Indian government passport service programme and will signify a breakthrough in digital and biometric security of travel documents. It includes:
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The release of e-passports, which have RFID or micro-chip biometry and personal information of the owner.
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Switching to an online portal with registration, application and document (photo, signature) uploading in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements.
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Streamlined correction services: small corrections are not to be re-entered or re-typed in the entire application when making corrections at the service centres.
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A shift towards the modernisation of Indian consular services in other countries, particularly in the UAE, because of its vast diaspora.
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The purpose of the upgrade is also understandable: the process will be faster, more convenient to the travellers, more resistant to forgery and fraud, and globally more interoperable. These improvements are especially important to the Indian diaspora in the UAE, where it is one of the largest expatriate groups.
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The Dubai Rollout: What you Need to Know
What you need to know about the Dubai rollout:
Launch Date and Region
The Consulate General of India, Dubai and its jurisdiction will have its launch on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
Who is Covered
Indian passport-related services to all applicants in Dubai (and Northern Emirates) will find their way into the new system. Since the time of launch, the new online portal must be used by the applicants.
Key Features for Applicants
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The applicants are required to enrol in the new portal, log in, complete the application, print it, make a reservation at a special service-provider centre (say BLS International) and come with original documents afterwards.
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Installation of post-ICAO-compliant photographs, signatures and supporting documents online, thus saving time at service centres.
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The e-passport numeric format is also evolving, with in certain cases the shift of the one letter + seven digits pattern to two letters + six digits.
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When it comes to making minor corrections in the application (name spelling, slight change of address, etc), the service provider can make corrections, and the applicant does not have to re-file or pay an additional fee.
Benefits Anticipated
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Quickened check-in of immigrants at international airports courtesy of chip passports that are ICAO-approved.
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Shorter waiting and an enhanced user interface through the online portal and uploads.
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Improved security: the chip holds encrypted data and biometric data, and thus, tampering or forgery of documents is significantly more difficult.
Implications for NRIs in the UAE
Some implications for NRIs in the UAE are:
Improved Service Experience
Among the Indian diaspora in the UAE, which is close to 4.3 million persons according to some sources in previous rollout commentaries, the upgraded Passport Seva system has obvious benefits. The simplified portal, submission, and booking of appointments and reduced waits and standby time translate to less time lost at work or other engagements. This is crucial in a society where most people are absorbed in hectic work or venture-related matters.
Travel-Readiness and Global Mobility
As e-passports continue to gain popularity in the world, the new passports place Indian travellers in a vantage position to make use of automated e-gates and faster immigration lanes in overseas airports. The chip-based passport is not only renewed, but it is mobile and convenient.
Alignment with the UAE-India Strategic Partnership
In the UAE, the diaspora of Indians is a component of economic, social and diplomatic relationships between India and the country. India is reinforcing this connection by modernising the consular services in the UAE and Dubai. The faster and more secure services are a good indicator of outreach and interaction with its foreign citizens.
Key Caution: Existing Passports Remain Valid
Notable: The fact that one has a regular passport that was issued in the past does not immediately nullify this rollout. Passports that are still in use are valid until the date of expiry or re-issue. Such concerns have been touched upon (Domestic reports in India). There is no need for the current applicants to hurry and replace a valid passport at Shoe-string.
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How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants in Dubai?
This is a simplified process of registering NRIs in Dubai or Northern Emirates under Passport Seva 2.0:
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Go to the portal: Official Passport Seva
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Click on Register and establish your username and password.
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Use your ID and password to log in.
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Select New application (fresh issuance/renewal, etc) on your Applicant Home Page.
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Complete all the necessary fields online and place an order.
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To print the submitted application form.
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Post your picture, signature and supporting documents (ICAO-compliant) where possible.
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Make a reservation at the BLS international centre (reservation link)
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On the day of the appointment, carry the printed form, original ID and address proofs, old passport (in case of renewal), and other necessary documents to the centre.
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Once you have been verified and biometrically captured, the next stage is processing, and within a few minutes, you will have the new e-passport in your hands.
Key Features and Technology Behind the E-Passport
What are the key features of the e-passport?
Embedded Chip & Biometric Data
The new e-passport has a micro-chip (RFID) that is embedded in the cover or data page. The chip holds personal, biometric and travel-document data; they are encrypted. Data integrity, as well as the authentication of its origin, is guaranteed with the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
ICAO Compliance
The passports are of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards that guarantee interoperability worldwide and automated e-gates, as well as enhanced travelling comfort.
Format Changes & Security Enhancements
Anti-tampering and a new number format (two letters and six digits) make it harder to forge. The computerised information enables faster confirmation by the immigration authorities around the world.
Minor Correction Facility
Minor mistakes (spelling of name, minor change of addresses) are also eligible under the GPSP 2.0 portal; these minor errors may be corrected with no complete re-submission and with no additional charge at centres of service providers.
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What does this mean for India’s Consular Services?
Introduction of Passport Seva 2.0 in Dubai is one of the parts of a wider shift in how India offers travel document services. The nationwide programme was declared earlier this year: S. Jaishankar presented the national implementation of e-passports and the improved infrastructure of the service in June 2025, the 13th Passport Seva Divas.
Switching to digital-first systems, India hopes to shorten the processing time, enhance the satisfaction of citizens, enhance the security and demonstrate a modern and efficient diplomatic service. The implementation of the UAE is indicative of the streamlining of India's overseas missions, going hand in hand with the domestic reforms.
Conclusion
Introduction of Passport Seva 2.0 to Indian nationals in Dubai, starting on 28 October 2025, will be an important step in India's modernisation efforts to provide its passport services to the global diaspora. The incorporation of a chip-based e-passport, a fully digital portal, ICAO-compliant uploads and simple corrections is bound to bring faster, safer and more convenient service to the millions of Indian citizens residing in foreign countries.
In the case of NRIs in the UAE, who have to balance between work and family and international mobility, the upgrade will translate into tangible gains: reduced waiting times, reduced bureaucracy and enhanced global travel preparedness. With India going on to digitalise and streamline its services to its citizens across the globe, this implementation is highlighting the new dawn of technologically driven, citizen-focused governance. It is recommended that applicants should only become conversant with the new portal, document requirements and submission procedure to make the transition as easy as possible.
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