Faster, Smarter, Safer: Indian Expats In UAE To Receive Chip-Enabled E-Passports

Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now expect a quicker and more secure passport experience, thanks to a new digital upgrade. The Consulate General of India in Dubai has officially launched the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0)—a revamped platform aimed at transforming the way passports are issued and managed for Indians living abroad. The system went live on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.

A Smarter, More Secure Travel Identity

The new e-passports, embedded with electronic chips that store digitised biometric information, marks a major leap in travel technology. Designed to enhance data protection and streamline immigration checks, these passports meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, putting India on par with global best practices.

According to the consulate, GPSP 2.0 will make the entire passport process—from application to delivery—more transparent, user-friendly, and efficient, serving the UAE’s vast Indian community more effectively. 

With this rollout, Indian expats in the UAE may now hold three designs of passports—from the classic pre-2021 design to the 2021 update, and now the RFID-enabled ePassport that securely carries biometric information.

Seamless Online Process

The upgraded system now allows applicants to upload documents, ICAO-compliant photos, and digital signatures directly through the online portal. This digital-first approach significantly cuts down on time spent at BLS International Centres, where only verification and minor corrections—such as typos or address updates—need to be handled. 

Applicants are also encouraged to double-check the photograph guidelines before submission to avoid delays. Importantly, minor corrections at BLS Centres will not incur additional charges.

How To Apply For An E-Passport

Step 1: Click on “Register” to create an account. 

Step 2: Log in using your new credentials. 

Step 3: On the applicant homepage, select the option to generate a new passport application. 

Step 4: After submitting, take a printout of the online form. 

Step 5: Schedule an appointment at a nearby BLS International Centre and carry all required documents. 

Step 6: Submit your application for processing.

The Consulate General of India in Dubai hailed GPSP 2.0 as a “significant milestone” in India’s digital transformation journey. By introducing e-passports and simplifying procedures abroad, the initiative reinforces India’s commitment to secure, tech-driven governance and citizen convenience. For the millions of Indians living in the UAE, this upgrade means less paperwork, shorter queues—and a smoother journey home. 

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. What is the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0)? 
GPSP 2.0 is an upgraded digital system launched by the Government of India to simplify and modernise the passport application process for Indian citizens living abroad. It allows online uploads of documents, photos, and signatures. 

2. What makes the new Indian e-passport different? 
The e-passport includes an embedded electronic chip containing biometric and personal data, enhancing security and speeding up immigration verification. 

3. How can Indian expats in the UAE apply for the new e-passport? 
Applicants can register and fill out their details online through the GPSP 2.0 portal, print the application form, and visit their nearest BLS International Centre in the UAE for verification and submission. 

4. What are the benefits of the new e-passport for Indian expats? 
E-passports offer faster processing, enhanced data protection, ICAO compliance, smoother immigration, and reduced paperwork for applicants abroad. 

5. When was the new passport system launched in the UAE? 
The Consulate General of India in Dubai launched the GPSP 2.0 system on October 28, 2025, marking the official rollout of e-passports for Indian citizens in the UAE.