Alhind-run centres handle surge in renewals, visas and attestationsLast updated: July 22, 2026 | 12:142 MIN READ16 new ICACs replace embassy counters for passports and consular servicesVirendra Saklani/Gulf NewsGet updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.1/15CROWDS GATHER BEFORE OPENING: Applicants queue outside an ICAC on its first day of operations. The new network of 16 centres officially began services across the UAE on July 22.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News2/15EARLY ARRIVALS: Many applicants reached the centres before opening hours to complete passport and consular applications. The centres operate daily from 8am to 6pm.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News3/15WAITING FOR THEIR TURN: Visitors wait patiently with documents in hand. Passport, visa, OCI, attestation and other consular services are now available through the new ICAC network.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News4/15FIRST-DAY DEMAND: Long queues reflected strong demand for the new service. Applicants can no longer submit passport applications directly at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News5/15NEW SYSTEM BEGINS: Applicants enter the centre as the new outsourcing arrangement officially takes effect. The services are now operated by Alhind Tours & Travels.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News6/15DOCUMENT VERIFICATION: Staff check application documents before submission. Appointment slots are released every day at 9am and 9pm through the online booking portal.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News7/15BUSY SERVICE COUNTERS: Officials assist applicants with passport and consular applications. The Bur Dubai flagship centre has 70 counters and can process around 600 applicants a day.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News8/15ONE-STOP CONSULAR SERVICES: Applicants complete multiple services under one roof. The centres handle passports, visas, attestations, OCI applications and other consular requests.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News9/15ASSISTANCE FOR APPLICANTS: Staff help visitors with forms and supporting documents. The Dh19 service fee includes form-filling, photographs, photocopying, printing and other support services.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News10/15FASTER APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants move through the submission process at the new centre. Officials say applications can be completed in around 30 minutes if all required documents are ready.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News11/15DIGITAL APPOINTMENTS: Visitors arrive according to their booked time slots. Appointments are available through the new online portal, with fresh slots released twice daily.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News12/15WALK-IN APPLICANTS: Some applicants qualify for walk-in services without prior appointments. These include Tatkal passport applicants, newborn passport cases, emergency certificates and senior citizens aged 60 and above.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News13/15SERVING THE INDIAN COMMUNITY: Applicants from across the Emirates visit the new centres on launch day. The 16 ICACs are located across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News14/15 EXPANDED PROCESSING CAPACITY: The new centres are designed to handle growing demand for Indian consular services. Once fully operational, the network can process up to 8,000 applications a day with around 350 employees.Virendra Saklani/Gulf News15/15A NEW CHAPTER FOR CONSULAR SERVICES: The busy opening day follows weeks of legal uncertainty. The rollout was cleared after India's Supreme Court allowed the new outsourcing arrangement to proceed while the tender case continues.Virendra Saklani/Gulf NewsRelated Topics:Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next