Indian passport applicants in the UAE must use new collection points in Dubai and Abu Dhabi after four consular centres permanently closed. The revised arrangements took effect on October 25, 2026
DUBAI: Indian passport applicants in the UAE have been directed to alternative collection locations following the permanent closure of four Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Alhind Tours & Travels, the outsourced service provider for the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai, issued a revised advisory effective October 25, 2026. The changes mainly affect applicants awaiting passport collection at the discontinued centres.
Four Indian Passport Centres Closed
The Indian Embassy announced that four ICAC branches would close from October 22 due to administrative reasons. The affected locations include Musaffah and Al Reem in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Investment Park-I in Dubai and Al Majaz in Sharjah.
Following these closures, the number of operational Indian consular centres across the UAE has fallen from 16 to 12. Applicants who previously used the affected branches must now visit alternative centres for their consular requirements.
Where Applicants Can Collect Passports
Under the revised arrangements, applicants whose passports were previously assigned to Dubai Investment Park-I or Al Majaz must collect their documents from the UW Mall centre in Bur Dubai.
Meanwhile, applicants affected by the Musaffah and Al Reem closures must visit the Al Danah Centre in Abu Dhabi. Temporary collection arrangements at the discontinued locations have also ended.
Passport Services Continue Across UAE
Despite the closures, the remaining 12 centres continue providing passport, visa, attestation and other consular services. Operating hours remain 8am to 6pm, with applicants permitted entry 15 minutes before their scheduled appointments.
Certain services remain available without prior appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. These include urgent Tatkal passport applications, newborn passport applications, Emergency Certificate requests and services for applicants aged 60 and above.
Impact to Expect
Applicants may face longer travel distances and increased footfall at the remaining centres. Indian residents should verify their designated collection location and appointment details before visiting to avoid delays.
