The summer vacation season is nearing its end, and with it, several Indian expatriates in UAE has become unexpectedly under pressure following the realization that their visas are soon to run out. International travel arrangements are already scheduled and due to the demand, you might not get every month for-the-renewal of the Indian passport UAE. As appointment dates quickly approach for the renewal families are now fretting over the situation due to the fast approach of travelling dates.
Appointment-Only System Adds Pressure
The Consulate General of Italy (CGI) in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi have announced that the passport and consular services will be made appointment-based basis. They can no longer provide the typical ‘walk-in ‘ available on an appointment; applicants will have to book their appointments online to walk into the mission.
The switch will help officials handle the surging number of applicants during the busy travel season, according to officials. More than 1,000 people are visiting the Dubai Consulate for consular services on most working days.
Family’s Thailand Trip Nearly Disrupted
Dubai resident Neha Bhagwat posted an account of how her child’s holiday plans went awry after learning they could only go and stay for five days in Thailand because their child’s passport was valid only for six months. The family said it had been days trying to get an appointment – even after booking flights for July 18 – via her online appointment system.
Bhagwat says repeated attempts by her and her husband were made without success as the appointment system to book times during booking hours seemed over loaded. They had tried and tried to schedule an appointment but failed, were overloaded, and finally got one with the information of their son.
‘I Couldn’t Hold Back My Tears’
In what Bhagwat termed an emotional roller coaster, she finally submitted her passport and disclosed her feelings.Eventually when Bhagwat completed the process of getting the passport she said that it was a ‘roller coaster’ for her. She spoke of a long queue outside the Indian Consulate in Dubai where only those found to have appointments were taken in. Appointments only accepted for those not present. After securing the paperwork successfully the stresses of the days consumed her, she said.
Verification Email: Another Challenge
Resident Hasib Khan said that he has attempted to make an appointment but has not received the verification email he needs to finalize the booking. Outside the UAE each travel is hurried so that he can’t settle on whether the passport will be processed soon or not. Applicants have shared similar technical problems when they’ve tried to book an appointment in busy hours.
Families Concerned About Passport Delivery Time
Another resident, Harmeet Suri, expressed concern that he’ll not get a replacement passport before his family’s early in August trip. The family submitted all the documents needed for the reissue of their daughter’s passport, and was then sent an email, saying that it might take up to three weeks for the passport to be issued. The waiting period has raised concerns regarding the feasibility of travel arrangements to DC in time for departure, as there is not enough time before the trip begins.
Indian Missions Issue Public Advisory
Embassy officials in UAE have cautioned applicants to avoid taking appointments without through the official online portal outlet.
- Passport appointments are completely free to book.
- No third-party agency is authorised to sell or arrange appointments.
- Residents should avoid paying agents claiming to provide faster access.
The public was specifically cautioned against paying any individual or organisation that might have made arrangements to book appointment for itself on behalf of the Embassy, Consulate, BLS International or SGIVS Global.
Summer Travel Rush Behind Growing Demand
The surge in enquiries is attributed to a rise in visitors wanting to apply for passports during school breaks to travel abroad. The experts are still recommending travelers to look at the validity of their passports three to six months ahead of schedule because travelers going to destination countries should be holding passports that are at least six months valid past their travel date. The basic concept of an automatic notification for passport expiry may prevent last minute hassles for many Indian families and ensure smooth travel.
