UAE: Indian Expats to Receive Chip-Enabled E-Passports

IN NEWS

1. Context

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has launched the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP) 2.0 on October 28, 2025, introducing chip-enabled e-passports for Indian nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This marks a significant leap in India’s digital governance and passport modernization efforts under the Passport Seva Programme framework.

2. Key Highlights of the Announcement

Implementation Date: 28 October 2025.
Applicable To: All Indian expatriates in the UAE seeking new passports, renewals, or other related services.
New Portal: mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login
Mandatory Use: All passport-related services for Indian expats must now be processed through GPSP 2.0.

3. Technological Advancements – E-Passport Features

Embedded Microchip: Stores digitized personal and biometric details of the passport holder.
Global Compliance: Aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for biometric passports.
Security & Efficiency: Enables faster, more secure verification and clearance at global immigration checkpoints.
Enhanced Durability: The e-passport is tamper-proof, reducing the risk of forgery or data manipulation.

4. GPSP 2.0 – Digital Transformation in Passport Services

Pre-upload Functionality:
- Applicants can upload ICAO-compliant photographs, signatures, and supporting documents before appointments.
- Reduces waiting time and simplifies in-person verification.
Error Correction Feature:
- BLS service providers can now make minor corrections to submitted applications without requiring resubmission.
- This feature is free of charge, addressing one of the biggest applicant concerns under the old system.
User Experience: Enhanced transparency and efficiency through digital documentation and tracking.

5. Significance for Indian Expatriates

Population Impacted: Over 3.5 million Indian nationals reside in the UAE—the largest overseas Indian community.
Ease of Access: Simplifies the passport renewal and issuance process without additional in-person visits.
Time Efficiency: Streamlines end-to-end application handling through automation and integration with Embassy databases.
Global Mobility: Strengthens India’s standing among nations offering biometric e-passports.

6. Broader Governmental Context

Implementing Agency: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
Executing Partner: BLS International Services for operational assistance.
Part of: India’s Passport Seva Programme modernization initiative, now upgraded to GPSP 2.0.
Objective: Promote efficiency, transparency, and citizen convenience in consular services abroad.

E-Passport:

An electronic passport containing an embedded microchip that stores personal data, photograph, and biometric identifiers.
Complies with ICAO Document 9303 specifications for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs).
Enhances both security (reduces forgery) and efficiency (faster immigration processing).

Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP):

A global extension of India’s domestic Passport Seva Project, ensuring standardized, tech-enabled passport services to Indian missions abroad.
Introduces real-time application tracking, online documentation, and integrated backend systems between missions and the MEA.

Updated: 28 October 2025; 11:42 AM | News Source:DD News