India is rolling out the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP) 2.0, aimed at simplifying the passport issuance process worldwide. The enhanced system, which began for all passport services at the Consulate General of India in Dubai on October 28, 2025, introduces modern, chip-enabled e-passports for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE.
The UAE, which hosts the largest Indian diaspora globally with an estimated 4.3 million Indian nationals, is among the first to benefit from the new system. The core feature of Passport Seva 2.0 is the issuance of new e-passports that contain an embedded chip with digitised data of the passport holder.
With this technology, Dubai-based Indian nationals are expected to clear immigration processes faster at international airports.
Passport Seva 2.0: A streamlined digital application process
With the GPSP 2.0, the new programme focuses heavily on digitising the application journey to reduce physical wait times and administrative errors.
Some of the key improvements in the new system include:
– Online Document Upload: Applicants can now upload all International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-compliant documents, including photographs and signatures, directly through the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) portal. The Consulate strongly recommends using this feature to minimise processing and waiting periods at the BLS International service centers.
– Simplified Corrections: For minor errors in already submitted applications, applicants are no longer required to retype the entire form. The service provider is authorised to make necessary corrections on the spot without levying additional charges, streamlining the process for applicants.
How can UAE NRIs apply for passport
The application process follows a familiar, multi-step digital procedure:
1. Registration: Applicants must first register on the new PSP portal.
2. Login and Application: After logging in, users must select the option to create a new application and accurately fill in all required details.
3. Submission and Appointment: After submitting the online form, applicants must take a printout and book an appointment online.
4. Physical Visit: Finally, the applicant must visit the designated BLS International center on the appointment date, bringing the printed form and all necessary supporting documents for verification.
