Guide for NRIs: How to Add Your UAE Address to Your Indian Passport

In recent years, a significant number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have made the United Arab Emirates (UAE) their home away from home. To cater to the needs of this expatriate community, a valuable service was introduced in 2020, allowing NRIs living in the UAE to include their local address in their Indian passport.

This service simplifies documentation and ensures smoother identification for Indian citizens residing abroad without a valid or permanent address in India.

Local UAE Address in Indian Passports

The initiative to include local UAE addresses in Indian passports was implemented in 2020, addressing a need expressed by NRIs living in the UAE. This service enables individuals who lack a permanent address in India to reflect their current UAE residence in their passport.

This article outlines the step-by-step process for Indian expatriates in the UAE to utilize this service.

Step 1: Application for a New Passport

In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Indian Consulate, individuals wishing to add their UAE address to their passport must apply for a new passport. Changes to address cannot be made in existing passports, underscoring the need for a new application.

Step 2: Filling Out the Application Form

Option 1: In-Person Application

NRIs can approach BLS International Services UAE, the official outsourcing service provider of the Consulate General of India, for an in-person application.

The process involves requesting the “EAP II form” (Application Form For Miscellaneous Services On Indian Passport) at any of the BLS service centres.

Option 2: Online Application

Alternatively, applicants can complete the application online through the ‘Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates’ portal (portal5.passportindia.gov.in). This online form pertains to “re-issue an ordinary passport with a new address.”

After filling out the form, it should be printed and brought to a BLS service centre to finalize the application.

Step 3: Address Information and Police Verification

At the chosen BLS centre, applicants must provide their local UAE address details, including the emirate of residence, street name, area, house number, mobile number, and email address. Additionally, an Indian address is required for police verification purposes, which can be that of a parent or relative.

Step 4: Document Submission and Proof of Address

For verification of UAE residency, applicants must submit several documents, including:

1. Original valid passport.
2. Registered tenancy contract or title deed (if applicable).
3. Valid Emirates ID.
4. Utilities bill from the respective electricity and water authority (e.g., DEWA for Dubai residents).

Submission of the current passport is also mandatory at this stage. Upon approval, both the old and new passports will be delivered via courier.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Applicants are responsible for paying the service fees, encompassing the overall cost of the service along with courier charges. The fee structure is as follows:

• Standard BLS centre: Dh415
• Premium BLS lounges: Dh650

Also Read: UAE 90-Day Visit Visa Applications Soar: Check Eligibility, Cost, And Other Details

Processing Time and Notification

The entire process is projected to take approximately 10 to 15 working days. The approval of the request lies within the discretion of the Consulate General of India. Applicants will receive an SMS notification upon the completion of the process.

BLS Service Centers Across UAE

NRIs in the UAE can visit various BLS service centres for assistance with the application process. The centres’ locations and timings are as follows:

Abu Dhabi Centers

1. Shams Boutik Mall, Level 1, Shop No 32, Al Rayfah Street, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.
   • Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
   • Lunch break: 12 pm to 1 pm
2. Shams Boutik Mall, Level 1, Shop No 32, Al Rayfah Street, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.
   • Timings: 7 am to 4 pm
   • Lunch break: 12 pm to 1 pm

Dubai Centers

1. Shop No# 13, Ground Floor, Zeenah Building، Opposite to Deira City Center P3 Parking.
   • Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
   • Lunch break: 12 pm to 1 pm
2. Unit no 118 -119, Mezzanine floor Al Khaleej Center, Opposite Al Ain Center, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai.
   • Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
   • Lunch break: 1 pm to 2 pm

Sharjah Center

• Office No.11, Mezzanine Floor, Abdul Aziz Majid Building – King Faisal St – Sharjah.
  • Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Lunch break: 12 pm to 1 pm

Umm Al Quwain Center

• Shop No: 14, Al Abdul Lathif Al Zarooni Building (Same building of DIB Bank) King Faizal Road, Umm Al Quwain
  • Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Lunch break: 12 pm to 1 pm

Ras Al Khaimah Center

• Behind Specialist Medical Centre, IT Computer Cross, Near Sengar Building material Trading, Dahan Road, Ras Al Khaimah.
  • Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Lunch break: 12 pm to 1 pm

Utilizing BLS Premium Lounges

For those who prefer expedited service, BLS premium lounges are available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To apply through these lounges, applicants need to book an appointment online at www.blsindiavisa-uae.com.

Dubai Premium Lounge

• Behind Specialist Medical Centre, IT Computer Cross, Near Sengar Building material Trading, Dahan Road, Ras Al Khaimah.
  • Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
  • Lunch break: 1 pm to 2 pm

Abu Dhabi Premium Lounge

• Behind Specialist Medical Centre, IT Computer Cross, Near Sengar Building material Trading, Dahan Road, Ras Al Khaimah.
  • Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
  • Lunch break: 1 pm to 2 pm

Conclusion

In conclusion, the introduction of local UAE addresses in Indian passports streamlines identification and documentation for NRIs residing in the UAE.

This user-friendly service offered by the Indian Consulate, in collaboration with BLS International Services UAE, demonstrates the commitment to facilitating the lives of Indian expatriates.

(Source: Gulf News, edited by travelobiz staff)