Indian expatriates in the UAE are set to face a series of important changes affecting travel, documentation and consular services in the coming weeks.From higher passport fees to a new service delivery system and additional pre-boarding requirements for travel to India, the updates will impact routine applications as well as travel planning. Here is a clear breakdown of the key changes UAE residents need to be aware of before applying for passports or flying to India.India raises passport fees: What are the new rates?According to a gazette notification issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 20, the revised charges will apply globally, including to applicants in the UAE. Indian missions in the Emirates are expected to announce the updated local fee structure soon.Sharp rise in passport fees36-page adult passport: Rs 2,500 (up from Rs 1,500)60-page passport: Rs 3,500 (up from Rs 2,000)Tatkal applications: up to Rs 6,000 depending on booklet sizeLost or damaged passports: up to Rs 7,500 under Tatkal processingOther services, including police clearance, surrender certificates and emergency certificates, have also been revisedUAE expat passport costs (current structure)36-page passport: Dh28560-page passport: Dh380Tatkal services: up to Dh950Additional ICWF and service charges applyBLS to Alhind: What changes for UAE expats?From July 1, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will take over passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE, replacing existing providers under a unified system known as Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC).The new model brings all services under one platform, including passport renewals, OCI cards, visa applications, police clearance certificates and document attestation. Alhind has quoted an all-inclusive service fee of Dh19 per transaction, with appointment slots to be provided within five working days and processing targeted at around 30 minutes per application.Transition period and service disruptionBLS International and SGIVS stopped new bookings after June 25Routine services suspended from June 26 to June 30Emergency passport, visa and attestation services continue via Indian missions in the UAEToll-free, WhatsApp and email support remain available for urgent assistanceICAC network across the UAE16 centres planned across all emiratesAbu Dhabi: 6 centresDubai: 2 centresSharjah: 2 centresRemaining centres in Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Khor Fakkan and KalbaFull addresses will be announced before the July 1 launchPassport demand in the UAEThe UAE hosts one of the world’s largest Indian diaspora communities, with over 4.5 million Indians. Indian missions in the country process more than 560,000 consular services annually, including over 360,000 passport-related transactions.Officials say the combined impact of rising fees and the service provider transition marks one of the most significant shifts in India’s consular system in the UAE in recent years.Mandatory health form before India travel: What’s new?Must be submitted within 24 hours before arrivalIncludes travel history and health detailsRequired to be shown at Indian airports on arrivalAims to improve health screening and reduce immigration delaysPassport vs citizenship: What you need to knowCitizenship is determined through multiple government recordsA passport is issued after verification but does not independently confirm nationality statusBig picture: Key points to noteTaken together, the changes mark a significant shift for Indian expatriates in the UAE, affecting both the cost and process of essential travel documentation. From higher passport fees and a new consular service model to additional travel health requirements and official clarifications on documentation, the updates underline a broader restructuring of mobility systems.For UAE-based Indian residents, staying updated on these developments will be key to avoiding delays, managing costs and ensuring smooth travel to and from India.