Major Indian passport updates in 2025: What UAE-based expats need to know
No marriage proof, birth certificate tweaks, new colour codes: Must-know passport updates
Dubai: India’s passport system is undergoing a major revamp in 2025, with updates that are especially relevant for the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE. From tech-enabled passports to simplified documentation for families, these changes aim to make the process more secure, efficient, and user-friendly—whether you're renewing your passport in the UAE or applying for one for your child.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes affecting Indian passport holders and applicants living in the UAE:
New e-passport: How will it benefit you?
India has begun issuing e-passports embedded with RFID chips that store biometric and personal data, including the holder’s photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature. These passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and are designed to:
Enhance global compatibility
Reduce immigration wait times
Strengthen data security
Applicants don’t need to make special requests—e-passports will be issued automatically during new applications or renewals, provided the local passport office has the necessary infrastructure. Read more ➜
Annexure J: Add spouse’s name without a marriage certificate?
In a significant relaxation of rules, Indian citizens can now add their spouse’s name to their passport without submitting a registered marriage certificate. Instead, they can provide Annexure J—a self-declared joint affidavit signed by both spouses.
The form includes names, signatures, passport numbers, Aadhaar or voter ID details, and a joint photo.
In UAE, both spouses must appear in person at the Indian Consulate to sign Annexure J. (Check for more details)
The same form can be used by women to update or change their surname after marriage.
Removing or updating a spouse’s name still requires supporting documents such as a divorce decree, death certificate, or a fresh Annexure J in the case of mutual separation.
Is a birth certificate now mandatory?
Yes, for applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, a government-issued birth certificate is now mandatory to establish the date of birth. This rule applies both in India and at Indian missions abroad, including in the UAE.
Applicants born before that date may still submit alternative documents such as:
School leaving certificates
PAN cards
Voter ID cards
Driving licences
In the UAE, the birth certificate must be:
Issued by UAE health authorities
Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Submitted along with other documents, such as the parents’ passports and marriage certificate, to BLS International Read more ➜
Residential address removed from the last page
As part of efforts to protect personal information, the residential address will no longer be printed on the last page of Indian passports. Instead:
Address details will be stored digitally
The data will be linked via a scannable barcode or QR code
Only authorised immigration or government officials will have access to this information
This change helps prevent misuse of personal data and streamlines verification during international travel.
Are parents’ names being removed from passports?
Yes. In a progressive shift, parents’ or legal guardians’ names will no longer be printed on newly issued Indian passports.
This change supports individuals from single-parent families, estranged family situations, or non-traditional households.
It also simplifies the application process by eliminating the need for additional family documentation.
New colour-coded passport covers
To improve identification and streamline immigration checks, India is introducing a standardised colour-coded system for passports:
White – Government officials
Red – Diplomats
Blue – Ordinary Indian citizens (no change)
This update aims to enhance clarity at airports and immigration counters.
Bonus: More passport centres on the way
To improve accessibility and reduce processing delays, the Indian government plans to expand its network of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 by 2030. This expansion will be particularly beneficial for residents in rural and semi-urban areas, offering quicker and more convenient passport services.
These changes represent a bold leap into the digital future for Indian travel documents—offering better security, reduced bureaucracy, and greater privacy for millions of citizens, both in India and abroad.
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