India has begun implementing a major update to its passport system in 2025, with new features designed to simplify the process for citizens both at home and abroad. The changes are particularly significant for more than 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE, as per a report by the Times of India.
E-passports with chip technology
One of the most notable updates is the rollout of e-passports. These documents are embedded with RFID chips that store biometric information such as fingerprints, facial recognition data, and digital signatures. The e-passports meet international ICAO standards, and are aimed at improving security and reducing wait times at immigration counters. New passport applicants and renewals will automatically receive the chip-enabled version.
Spouse’s name can be added without marriage certificate
Indian citizens in the UAE can now add their spouse’s name to their passport using a self-declared affidavit (Annexure J) instead of providing a registered marriage certificate. Both spouses must be physically present at the Indian Consulate in the UAE to complete the process. Women may also use the same form to update their surname after marriage.
Birth certificate mandatory for children born after October 2023
Children born on or after October 1, 2023, will be required to submit a government-issued birth certificate for passport applications. For those born in the UAE, this certificate must be issued by local health authorities, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and submitted along with parents’ passports and marriage certificate. For older applicants, alternate documents like school records or government IDs will still be accepted.
Residential address will not appear on passport
In a shift aimed at improving privacy, new passports will no longer display the residential address on the last page. Instead, this information will be stored digitally and accessed via QR code or barcode by government or immigration authorities only.
Parents’ names no longer required
Applicants are no longer required to include the names of parents or legal guardians in their passports. This update supports individuals from single-parent families, estranged households, or LGBTQ+ and other non-traditional family structures.
Passport covers get colour-coded system
India will implement a new colour-coded system for passport covers to distinguish between types of holders:
Expansion of passport centres
To improve access and reduce application wait times, India plans to increase the number of passport service centres from 442 to 600 by 2030. The expansion will focus on rural and semi-urban areas.
These updates are intended to make the Indian passport system more secure, inclusive, and efficient for citizens around the world.
(With inputs from TOI)
E-passports with chip technology
One of the most notable updates is the rollout of e-passports. These documents are embedded with RFID chips that store biometric information such as fingerprints, facial recognition data, and digital signatures. The e-passports meet international ICAO standards, and are aimed at improving security and reducing wait times at immigration counters. New passport applicants and renewals will automatically receive the chip-enabled version.
Spouse’s name can be added without marriage certificate
Indian citizens in the UAE can now add their spouse’s name to their passport using a self-declared affidavit (Annexure J) instead of providing a registered marriage certificate. Both spouses must be physically present at the Indian Consulate in the UAE to complete the process. Women may also use the same form to update their surname after marriage.
Birth certificate mandatory for children born after October 2023
Children born on or after October 1, 2023, will be required to submit a government-issued birth certificate for passport applications. For those born in the UAE, this certificate must be issued by local health authorities, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and submitted along with parents’ passports and marriage certificate. For older applicants, alternate documents like school records or government IDs will still be accepted.
Residential address will not appear on passport
In a shift aimed at improving privacy, new passports will no longer display the residential address on the last page. Instead, this information will be stored digitally and accessed via QR code or barcode by government or immigration authorities only.
Parents’ names no longer required
Applicants are no longer required to include the names of parents or legal guardians in their passports. This update supports individuals from single-parent families, estranged households, or LGBTQ+ and other non-traditional family structures.
Passport covers get colour-coded system
India will implement a new colour-coded system for passport covers to distinguish between types of holders:
- White for government officials
- Red for diplomats
- Blue for ordinary citizens (remains unchanged)
Expansion of passport centres
To improve access and reduce application wait times, India plans to increase the number of passport service centres from 442 to 600 by 2030. The expansion will focus on rural and semi-urban areas.
These updates are intended to make the Indian passport system more secure, inclusive, and efficient for citizens around the world.
(With inputs from TOI)
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