In a bid to enhance efficiency and eliminate unauthorized fees, Indian diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates have revamped their consular services process. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai now allow applicants for passport, visa, and attestation services to book appointments directly through an official online portal, free of any booking charges.
The updated system aims to streamline the application procedures by handling consular services directly from the respective offices of the embassy and consulate. This initiative is designed to simplify processes and ensure that applicants do not incur unnecessary costs through unauthorized channels. Officials emphasize that the only legitimate way to book appointments for these services is via the official online portal.
There have been cautions issued against engaging with individuals, agencies, or intermediaries who claim to offer appointment bookings or expedited services for a fee on behalf of Indian missions. The diplomatic missions have explicitly warned against trusting any organization or representative that alleges to have official authorization to provide appointment services. Such claims should be viewed with skepticism.
The missions encourage those who suspect they have been deceived, overcharged, or misrepresented to report these incidents using the official contact channels provided by the Embassy or Consulate. This step is part of a broader effort to safeguard applicants from fraudulent activities and unnecessary expenses.
Indian nationals and travelers residing in the UAE are advised to rely solely on official communications and verified platforms when seeking information related to consular services. By doing so, they can avoid falling victim to scams and ensure they are accessing legitimate services without incurring extra charges.