Indian nationals in the UAE face a double change on 1 July 2026. First, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi is increasing global passport fees for the first time since 2012—up to 75 per cent for certain categories—while introducing a 10 per cent discount for children under eight and seniors above 60. Second, India’s diplomatic missions are switching their outsourced service provider from BLS International and SGIVS Global to Al Hind Tours & Travels LLC. Although exact dirham prices are yet to be published, a standard 36-page passport issued under the normal scheme will cost INR 2,500 (about AED 110), up from INR 1,500. Tatkaal (fast-track) fees climb to INR 5,000. The hikes coincide with a five-day suspension of routine appointments while Indian Embassy and Consulate IT systems migrate to Al Hind’s new application centres across all seven emirates. For UAE employers of Indian talent—the largest expatriate bloc at 4.3 million—the shake-up means higher relocation budgets and potential processing delays during the hand-over period. Global mobility teams should alert travellers with expiring passports to submit renewal requests before 30 June or prepare for fee increases and possible slot shortages in July. Al Hind has pledged to open 16 centres featuring extended hours and biometrics-enabled self-service kiosks. Early users can expect queuing teething issues, but mission officials say the new contract promises faster document turnaround and a dedicated customer-care hotline. The fee rise, according to MEA officials, will fund biometric modernisation and improved security printing. Analysts note that India last raised prices in 2012, despite a surge in demand that now exceeds 12 million passports annually; the UAE alone processes around 275,000 Indian passport transactions each year.
Source: Khaleej Times
