It is now possible for NRIs in the UAE to update their address on the passport. A new passport will subsequently be reissued.

The process for address updation involves getting an appointment at the BLS International Services UAE, the official service provider of the Consulate General of India (CGI), through which the new Indian passport will be issued. BLS centres in the respective emirates handle the procedures.

Applicants are required to submit proof of their permanent or current Indian address, along with other documents including electricity, telephone, water, or gas bills that are not older than three months.

An original election commission card, e-Aadhaar, or Aadhaar card are mandatory.

In addition to this, a verifiable online nativity certificate issued by the state home department, and an active bank account passbook with photocopies of the first and latest transaction pages for last year.

The application form for the specific service must be filled and submitted along with the original passport and copies, and recent passport photos.

The applicant’s UAE residence visa must be valid during submission of the form.

From 2020, NRIs could also add their UAE address to the Indian passport. The mandatory documents for this process included a registered tenancy contract or property title deed, and supporting documents.

The fee for address change and passport reissue is around Dh285. – editor@nrifocus.com