Thousands of Indian expats in the UAE are facing difficulties securing passport reissue appointments as the summer travel season approaches, with some worried their passports may not be renewed in time for planned trips.
The issue follows the shift by Indian missions in the UAE to an appointment-only system for passport and other consular services, replacing earlier walk-in arrangements.
Several residents said they struggled to access appointment slots, with some describing days of uncertainty as their travel dates drew closer.
One resident said her son’s passport fell short of Thailand’s six-month validity requirement by just three days, causing significant stress with tickets already booked. She eventually secured an appointment but described the process as challenging.
Other applicants said they faced problems accessing the appointment portal and receiving verification emails, while some families remain concerned about passport delivery timelines ahead of their holidays.
The Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi said the appointment-based system was introduced to manage the surge in demand during the peak travel period.
Authorities have advised applicants to use only the official appointment portal and warned residents against paying third parties claiming to arrange appointments.