Indian expats in the UAE are witnessing a first-of-its-kind change, as the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed on October 28, 2025, that three different Indian passport designs are now officially in circulation the older booklet, the machine-readable version, and the newly introduced chip-enabled e-passport. The announcement marks a historic moment for the UAE’s Indian community, as the latest design under India’s Passport Seva 2.0 initiative brings enhanced security features, a smart embedded chip, and a refreshed visual layout, while older formats remain valid until expiry.
Indian passport in UAE hits historic moment
Indian citizens residing in the UAE are now witnessing a unique first: three completely different Indian passport booklet designs in circulation at the same time. The development was reported by Gulf News, noting that expulsions of earlier classes and renewals mean holders could possess booklets of different series concurrently. Until recently, most Indian passport-holders abroad typically carried one design at a time: the older booklets, the newer machine-readable ones, or the latest biometric e-passports. But now, especially for the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE, all three are valid and in use. This arrangement creates both opportunity and confusion: renewal options, travel formalities, and verification processes may differ depending on which booklet a holder owns.
What the three designs are and why it matters?
The three designs currently in use include:
- The older paper-based booklet (standard booklet issued before migration to machine-readable passports).
- A machine-readable version with upgraded security features and newer cover design.
- The latest e-passport series with an embedded chip and digital security, under the Passport Seva 2.0 rollout.
For Indian expatriates in the UAE that means several practical implications: if you hold an older design passport you might face a different renewal fee, you may be required to convert to the new format sooner, and immigration authorities may ask for extra verification when travelling. Gulf News emphasised that all three booklets currently remain valid—but you must ensure your travel and visa arrangements recognise them.
How it affects Indian expats in the UAE
The Indian community in the UAE is among the world’s largest diaspora groups, making this passport transition especially significant. The rollout of the e-passport series coincides with the digitalisation of consular services at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, which announced new online portals and chip-embedded passports effective from 28 October 2025. For UAE-based Indian expats, key take-aways include: ensuring your passport booklet is valid for at least six months before travel; if you hold an older series consider upgrading to the e-passport to access newer services; keep an eye on renewal fee changes; and confirm that your visa or employer sponsorship remains valid even if your booklet changes design.
What you should do now
If you’re an Indian passport-holder in the UAE:
- Check which booklet series you hold and keep all pages in good condition (especially first and last pages).
- When renewing, consider opting for the e-passport with a chip that offers longer validity, enhanced security, and easier travel clearance.
- Retain copies (digital and paper) of your older passport if you are transitioning between designs, this helps avoid hiccups in sponsorship or residency records.
- Stay tuned to official announcements from the Indian Embassy and Consulates in the UAE, changes to fees, booklet formats and services often come with some preparation time.
This simultaneous circulation of three passport designs may feel unusual, but it reflects India’s move toward technological and service upgrades for its global citizenry. For Indian expats in the UAE, it’s less about which booklet you hold and more about ensuring your travel, residency, and renewal documents remain valid and recognised. Secure your booklet, keep informed, and you’ll be ready for this new phase of passport evolution.
