The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of an upgraded passport system that will issue e-passports with embedded chips to all Indian nationals in the UAE beginning October 28, 2025. The new Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0) marks a major technological advancement in passport services for the Indian expatriate community.
New Online Portal Mandatory for All Applications
Starting October 28, all passport applicants must use the newly launched online portal – mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login , to access passport services. The mandatory transition to the new system applies to all Indian expatriates seeking passport-related services in the UAE.
E-Passport Features Enhanced Security
At the core of this upgrade is the introduction of e-passports featuring embedded microchips that store digitized passport-holder information. These chip-enabled passports are designed to enable faster and smoother clearance at immigration checkpoints worldwide, bringing Indian travel documents in line with international biometric passport standards.
According to Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of India in the UAE, Shri A. Amarnath, the e-passport is a next-generation travel document designed in accordance with global best practices. It incorporates enhanced security features and contains a digital version of the information printed in the physical passport, making any attempt to forge or tamper with the document easily detectable.
Streamlined Application Process
The GPSP 2.0 portal introduces several new features aimed at simplifying and accelerating the application process. Applicants can now upload ICAO-compliant photographs, signatures, and supporting documents directly through the online portal before their appointment.
Previously, applicants had to fill in the form online and physically submit all documents at service counters. Now, documents can be uploaded in advance and accessed by the outsourced service provider for verification purposes. However, certain original documents must still be carried to the centre , including the original passport, Emirates ID, and proof of address in case of any change.Applicants are encouraged to use this pre-upload feature, noting that it will significantly reduce waiting times at service centres.
Quick Renewal Process for Simple Extensions For applicants whose passport information remains unchanged and who simply wish to renew their passport after its validity expires, the process has been significantly simplified. Applicants need only enter their old reference number, which triggers verification through the registered email ID used during their previous application. Once verification is complete, all existing details are automatically populated in the new application form.
If no changes are required, the entire renewal can be completed in less than two minutes. Applicants simply enter their old passport number, complete verification, review the pre-filled details, and submit. This reform by the Government of India greatly enhances the ease and efficiency of passport renewals.
Minor Corrections Made Easier
Another major improvement addresses a common concern for applicants, particularly in the UAE. Under the earlier system, any errors in applications required complete resubmission, and service providers charged additional fees for corrections. The new platform allows outsourced service providers to make minor corrections – such as typos in the name, date of birth, or address , based on verified information from the applicant’s previous passport, without any additional charge. This change saves both time and money, eliminating the need to retype entire forms for small errors.
Important Photo Requirements
Applicants must ensure that their photographs meet ICAO-compliant specifications. Detailed guidelines are available on the websites of Indian Missions abroad. This requirement is crucial because biometric information embedded in the passport chip is derived from the submitted photograph. Applications with non-compliant photographs cannot proceed.
Transition Period for Existing Applications
Applicants who have already filled out forms using the previous system and booked appointments through outsourced service providers may continue using those forms if they prefer not to re-enter information in the new system. However, such applicants will receive a regular passport, not an e-passport.
It is therefore not mandatory to reapply using the new portal, but those wishing to avail the benefits of the e-passport may do so by submitting their applications through GPSP 2.0. Minor glitches are expected in the initial rolling out period , until the system stabilizes.
