Indian Passport & Consular Services in UAE Now Available Through 16 ICAC Centres (From July 22, 2026)
The Government of India has introduced a significant change in the delivery of Passport, Visa, and Attestation services for Indian citizens living in the United Arab Emirates.
Effective from 22 July 2026, these services are no longer handled directly at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai for regular applications. Instead, they are provided through 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) operated by Al Hind Tours & Travels across all seven Emirates.
This new system aims to provide faster appointments, better accessibility, and improved customer service for the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE.
What’s Changing?
From 22 July 2026, the following services have been outsourced to Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs):
- Passport Renewal
- Fresh Passport Applications
- Visa Services
- Document Attestation
- Miscellaneous Consular Services
Applicants must now visit an ICAC instead of the Embassy or Consulate for these services.
Benefits of the New ICAC System
The introduction of 16 centres offers several advantages:
- More service centres across all Emirates
- Reduced waiting time
- Easier appointment booking
- Professional document assistance
- Convenient operating hours
- Better accessibility for residents outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) Locations
Abu Dhabi Emirate
- Al Danah
- Musaffah
- Al Reem
- Al Ain
- Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
- Ghayathi (Al Dhafra)
Dubai & Northern Emirates
- Bur Dubai
- Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
- Al Majaz, Sharjah
- Indian Association, Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Kalba, Sharjah
- Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
This network ensures Indian citizens across the UAE have access to nearby consular services.
Services Available
The ICAC centres provide:
Passport Services
- Passport Renewal
- Fresh Passport
- Re-issue of Passport
- Damaged Passport
- Lost Passport
- Change of Personal Particulars
Visa Services
- Indian Visa Applications
- Visa-related documentation
Attestation Services
- Educational Certificate Attestation
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Commercial Documents
- Other Consular Attestation Services
How to Book an Appointment
Appointments must be booked online through the official Consular Seva portal.
Important information:
- Appointment slots open twice daily
- 9:00 AM
- 9:00 PM
- Applicants should arrive approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
ICAC Working Hours
All Indian Consular Application Centres operate:
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Daily.
Service Charges
Apart from the Government of India prescribed fees, applicants must pay an AED 19 service charge (inclusive of VAT) collected by the service provider.
This fee covers several support services including:
- Application assistance
- Form filling
- Photograph
- Document typing
- Photocopying
- Printing
- Domestic courier service
Walk-in Services
Walk-in applications continue to be available for selected emergency services including:
- Tatkal Passport
- Newborn Passport
- Emergency Certificate (EC)
- Senior Citizens (60 years and above)
These applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility.
Why This Change Matters
The UAE is home to one of the world’s largest Indian expatriate communities. With growing demand for passport and consular services, establishing multiple ICAC centres will:
- Reduce congestion at Embassy and Consulate offices
- Improve appointment availability
- Minimize travel time
- Offer services closer to applicants
- Deliver a smoother customer experience
How Al Mazaya Holidays Can Help
Need assistance with your passport or travel documentation?
Al Mazaya Holidays provides professional guidance for:
- Passport Renewal
- Visa Documentation
- Certificate Attestation
- Travel Documentation
- Appointment Assistance
- Document Verification
Our experienced team helps ensure your application is prepared correctly, reducing delays and making the process hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the new ICAC system start?
The new Indian Consular Application Centres began operations on 22 July 2026.
How many ICAC centres are available in the UAE?
There are 16 Indian Consular Application Centres across all seven Emirates.
Can I still visit the Indian Embassy directly?
Regular Passport, Visa, and Attestation services are now handled through ICAC centres. Emergency and diplomatic matters continue to be handled by the Embassy or Consulate as applicable.
What are the ICAC timings?
All centres operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What is the additional service fee?
Applicants pay an additional AED 19 (inclusive of VAT) as the service provider charge.
Are appointments mandatory?
Yes. Most services require prior online appointment booking.
Conclusion
The launch of 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) marks a major improvement in consular services for Indians living in the UAE. With expanded locations, simplified appointment booking, and professional assistance, obtaining Passport, Visa, and Attestation services has become more accessible than ever.
If you need help with passport renewal, visa documentation, or attestation services, Al Mazaya Holidays is ready to assist you throughout the process.
