Global Passport Fee Revision: Implications for the Indian Diaspora in the UAE

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has implemented a significant revision in passport fees worldwide under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, effective July 1, 2026. This policy change, which increases fees for fresh and Tatkal passport services by up to 75%, has been confirmed by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. The revision directly impacts nearly 4.5 million Indian expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who constitute one of the largest concentrations of the Indian diaspora globally. While the fee hike is aimed at offsetting the rising administrative, technological, and logistical costs of consular services globally, it raises critical questions regarding diaspora welfare and the accessibility of essential state services. The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region is highly diverse, comprising a substantial proportion of blue-collar workers and low-income families. For these segments, a steep increase in passport renewal and emergency Tatkal services could pose a noticeable financial burden.