The New Dh19 Fee Rules: What it Costs to Renew an Indian Passport in the UAE from 1st July

A massive paradigm shift is soon to be seen in the way millions of Indian expatriates access Passport, Visa and Consular services in the UAE. In June, the Ministry of External Affairs approved a new outsourcing agreement for Al Hind Tours and Travels LLC to replace the current service providers BLS International Services Limited and SGIVS Global to manage Indian Consular operations from July 1, 2026.

More than 3.5 million Indians residing in UAE are likely to be affected by the transition as it is expected that it will affect the passport renewals, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) applications etc. also other consular services are likely to be affected.

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New Dh19 Service Fee

One of the most significant features of the new system is a single fee of DH19 per deal. This fee in addition to the usual embassy fee is designated to ease payment procedures for the applicants.

The Dh19 fee is an all-in fee compared to previous systems where some extra services were not covered, thus adding to the final bill. It includes a variety of value-added services at the service center, including the ability to take passport-sized photos and photocopy documents, minimizing applicants’ venue to locate documents.

Important Transition Dates You Should Know

Close attention is being paid by applicants who intend to extend their passport or to be issued with consular services considering the transition timetable. Until June 30, 2026, BLS International and SGIVS Global will continue accepting and processing applications as usual.

But from 1st July 2026, all new passport, visa, OCI and attestation applications will be done via Al Hind passport service centers only. The applicants who have already submitted applications before the last date are advised to keep on monitoring their applications regularly and get their documents before the final handing over.

New Service Centers Across the UAE

Al Hind is opening 16 specialised service centers in all seven emirates to enhance access and minimise congestion. Six centres in Abu Dhabi are Al khalidiya, Al reem island, Musaffah, Madinat zayed, Ghayathi and Al ain.

Service will be provided to Dubai residents at centers located at Bur Dubai and Dubai Investment Park, and to this end, Sharjah meanwhile will have centers in Al Majaz and Rolla. More centres will be available in Ajman, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Kalba and Ras Al Khaimah and consular services will of course be more widespread.

What Applicants Can Expect?

The new operator still has a standardized fee model, but introduces a more digital backend as well to enhance the software application tracking and process-time. They have over 250 staff who are highly specialized and are working throughout multiple offices, and your application process should be familiar to you, with enhanced technology.

The upgraded facilities will also be expected to accelerate the speed of passport renewal as well as police verification process, thus streamlining the entire process for the residents of UAE.

Why This Change Matters

As far as an expat from India is concerned, the transition is more than just a change of service provider as they are frequent users of the consular services. A clear fee structure, broadened coverage for services, and better tracking of digital information can make day-to-day documentation easier, reducing any unpleasant shocks.

Existing centre-wise renewals will be renewed from July 1 onwards and applicants are advised to get to know the new centres and procedure so that the process is smooth and hassle-free.

FAQs

When will this new Dh19 levy take effect?

The new Dh19 service fee will be in effect from July 1st, 2026 coinciding with the official commencement of Al Hind’s work in consular affairs in the UAE on July 1st, 2026.

Are the Dh19 fees inclusive of the cost of passports?

No. The Dh19 fee is service fee, which is in addition to the usual embassy fee applicable for renewing passports and other consular services.

How many of these new Al Hind centers are in the UAE?

Al Hind will have 16 service centers located in the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Kalba and Ras Al Khaimah.

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