The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate-General of India in Dubai have begun issuing next-generation, chip-embedded e-passports to all applicants with immediate effect, marking the UAE debut of India’s upgraded Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0). According to the missions, every new, renewal or replacement passport lodged from 28 October 2025 will carry an ICAO-compliant microchip that stores the holder’s biographic and biometric data.
The change matters for the UAE’s Indian community—the largest expatriate bloc in the Emirates at roughly 3.5 million—because the embedded chip will shorten immigration queues worldwide, reduce document-forgery risk and speed up airport e-gate use. Holders of older booklets can continue to travel but are encouraged to switch at the next renewal to avoid manual processing lanes. Applicants must now complete all forms, photo and signature uploads on the GPSP 2.0 portal before visiting a BLS Service Centre, a step the missions say cuts in-person processing times by up to 40 percent.
From a corporate-mobility perspective, the upgrade means global mobility managers should update their traveller profiles and duty-of-care systems: the new passport number series begins with the letter ‘P’ and embeds a contactless NFC chip readable by most border kiosks. Employers sponsoring residency or work-permit renewals should ensure e-passport details match Emirates ID records to avoid file rejections at GDRFA and ICP counters.
Practical tips: (1) warn travelling staff that some older e-gates outside the Gulf may still direct first-time chip-passport users to a manned counter for biometric capture; (2) remind employees that ICAO photo rules are stricter—selfies and soft-focus studio shots will be rejected; and (3) encourage early appointment booking at BLS centres until the initial surge subsides.
The change matters for the UAE’s Indian community—the largest expatriate bloc in the Emirates at roughly 3.5 million—because the embedded chip will shorten immigration queues worldwide, reduce document-forgery risk and speed up airport e-gate use. Holders of older booklets can continue to travel but are encouraged to switch at the next renewal to avoid manual processing lanes. Applicants must now complete all forms, photo and signature uploads on the GPSP 2.0 portal before visiting a BLS Service Centre, a step the missions say cuts in-person processing times by up to 40 percent.
From a corporate-mobility perspective, the upgrade means global mobility managers should update their traveller profiles and duty-of-care systems: the new passport number series begins with the letter ‘P’ and embeds a contactless NFC chip readable by most border kiosks. Employers sponsoring residency or work-permit renewals should ensure e-passport details match Emirates ID records to avoid file rejections at GDRFA and ICP counters.
Practical tips: (1) warn travelling staff that some older e-gates outside the Gulf may still direct first-time chip-passport users to a manned counter for biometric capture; (2) remind employees that ICAO photo rules are stricter—selfies and soft-focus studio shots will be rejected; and (3) encourage early appointment booking at BLS centres until the initial surge subsides.
