August 30, 2025 | Dubai : The new passport rule for Indian expats in the UAE is set to take effect on September 1, bringing an important change to passport applications. The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed that all applicants must now follow updated photo guidelines that align with global aviation standards. For many Indian families, this update will mean taking new photographs to ensure their documents meet international requirements.

While some people online mistook the announcement for a digital login update, officials clarified that the new passport rule for Indian expats is about passports, not online accounts. The rule aims to bring Indian passports in line with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) biometric guidelines, which are followed by countries worldwide.

Why the Rule Matters?

The new passport rule for Indian expats is not just another bureaucratic formality. It has real consequences for thousands of families who depend on timely passport renewals for travel, jobs, education, and residency permits. If an application doesn’t meet the photo standards, it could be rejected, causing delays at a time when many families are planning travel for the winter holidays.

Officials at the consulate said the change follows a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and applies to all new and renewed passports from September 1. Similar announcements are expected from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi soon.

What Exactly Is Changing?

Under the new passport rule for Indian expats, photos submitted with passport applications must now follow ICAO-compliant standards. These include:

• Colour photos, 630×810 pixels, with a plain white background.
• A close-up of head and shoulders, with the face covering 80–85% of the frame.
• Full face, eyes open, neutral expression, no smiling with teeth.
• No glasses allowed, and no shadows or reflections.
• Head coverings only for religious reasons, but facial features must be clear.
• No digital alterations or filters, the photo must look natural.

For parents applying for newborns, this may be challenging, since BLS International, the consulate’s outsourced service provider, does not take baby photos at its centres. Parents will need to get them from outside service providers.

Human Impact on Families

The new passport rule for Indian expats has already sparked conversations among residents in Dubai. Some families are worried about the extra hassle of retaking photographs, especially for children who may not sit still for strict photo requirements. Others see it as a positive step that ensures smoother immigration experiences at airports worldwide.

For working professionals, the rule is also a reminder to plan renewals early. Any delays could affect visa applications or job-related travel.

Why ICAO Standards Matter?

Officials explained that the new passport rule for Indian expats is not unique to India. Most countries are moving towards ICAO standards to ensure machine-readable travel documents. These standards help speed up airport checks, reduce errors in biometric recognition, and improve global security.

In practical terms, when Indian expats comply with these photo rules, their passports are less likely to be flagged during international travel. This means fewer delays at immigration counters and more reliable identity verification.

What BLS and Consulate Say

The Indian Consulate has already updated its website with details of the new requirements, though BLS International’s website still reflects the old rules. A spokesperson from the consulate’s press wing said the guidelines have been shared with BLS and will soon be reflected in its systems.

BLS does provide photography services for Dh30, but families may prefer to use private studios to ensure quality. For newborns, this will be the only option since BLS centres do not cater to infants.

The new passport rule for Indian expats may cause short-term inconvenience, but officials stress that it’s a necessary step for long-term benefits. Aligning with ICAO standards will make Indian passports stronger and more widely accepted across global checkpoints.

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