Dubai: A new online appointment system is helping speed up passport renewals for Canadian expatriates living in the UAE.
Emmanuel Kamarianakis, consul-general at the Consulate of Canada in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said those who book appointments in advance can expect a more streamlined experience for passports and other essential documents.
“Canadians in the UAE can now book an appointment at the consulate in Dubai or embassy in Abu Dhabi,” Kamarianakis told Gulf News. “With an appointment, Canadians applying for passports, proof of citizenship or authentication services can avoid lengthy queues and rely on efficient and expedient services.”
Expats no longer have to follow up with consular officials to determine if their passports have arrived. “Passport applicants can expect automatic notification once their passport arrives,” Kamarianakis said.
With the new system in place since late last year, expats “no longer face unpredictable wait times and can now expect to be served within five minutes of their scheduled appointment,” said a Canadian mission spokesperson.
“Since implementing our appointment system, Canadians on average have received their passports within 9-12 working days, well below the 20 business day service standard. Clients now receive an SMS once their passport is ready, so that they can pick it up as soon as it is received,” the spokesperson said.
To avail the online appointment system, expats can log on to www.uae.gc.ca.
Canadians in need of urgent assistance can always reach Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Center toll free at 800 014 0145.
How to renew a passport
Visit www.uae.gc.ca, download and complete passport form and make appointment at Canadian embassy or consulate .
Processing can take up to 20 days.
Applicants will be notified by SMS when passport is ready.
Eligibility criteria
Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of passport application.
Name on the renewal application must be exactly as it appears on page 2 of the passport.
Most recent passport◦issued after April 30, 2006 must have expired for no more than a year.
Passport must have full validity (five years), not be damaged and never reported lost or stolen.
Source: www.uae.gc.ca
