UAE expats can now get chip-enabled e-passports. Should all Indians replace their passports?

The Indian expats in the UAE can now get chip-enabled e-passports after the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of the upgraded passport system. The embedded microchips can store digitised passport holder information so as to enable faster and smoother clearance at immigration checkpoints.

The new system will also bring Indian travel documents in line with international biometric passport standards.

However, many expats in the UAE have expressed doubts over whether every expat should replace their existing passports with the new technology-enabled version.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that all passports issued by the Government of India will continue to remain valid till their expiry date. “As and when a respective Passport Office is technically enabled for issuance of ePassport, the citizens applying under that passport office will get the ePassport,” the ministry has clarified.

The benefits of the epassports include the option to upload ICAO-compliant photographs,  signatures, and supporting documents directly through the online portal before their  appointment. The pre-upload feature can substantially reduce waiting times at physical service  centers. Detailed guidelines for preparing ICAO-compliant photographs are available on the Embassy’s website.

The previous system also helps in easy error correction. While the previous system required complete resubmission of the applications, the new epassports would allow BLS service providers to make minor corrections to already submitted applications on their end, eliminating the need for applicants to retype entire forms. This correction service is provided at no additional charge. 

Middle East