ABU DHABI: The Embassy of India in the UAE has officially announced the closure of four consular application centres across the country, reducing the total active network of Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) to 12. Previously, a total of 16 such centres had been operational across the Emirates following the outsourcing of passport, visa, and document attestation services to Al Hind Tours & Travels.
Operational continuity will be maintained across the remaining 12 ICACs located in Al Danah, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Ghayathi, Bur Dubai, Indian Association Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Kalba, and Khor Fakkan. All 12 ICAC branches operate daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with strict guidelines permitting applicants entry only 15 minutes prior to scheduled appointments.
Notably, the high-capacity Bur Dubai centre features 45 service counters to minimize processing wait times. Providing vital relief for urgent applications, the Embassy confirmed that Tatkal passport renewal requests, newborn registration applications, Emergency Certificate (EC) issuances, and walk-ins for senior citizens aged 60 and above will be accepted on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis across all ICAC locations. The revised passport service charges implemented by the Government of India effective July 1—marking the first fee revision since 2012—remain in effect.
Under the updated structure, a standard 36-page passport renewal costs Dh450 (increased from Dh285), while expedited Tatkaal renewal is priced at Dh900. For a 60-page booklet, normal renewal fees stand at Dh630, with Tatkaal services costing Dh1,080. Service provider Alhind previously announced a nominal fee of Dh19 above the mandatory government charges, which comprehensively covers ancillary services including photocopying and photography.
Operations at the four affected centres—specifically located in Musaffah, Al Reem, Dubai Investment Park-I, and Sharjah Al Majaz—were permanently discontinued starting Thursday, October 22, due to administrative reasons.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com