Who is doing passport renewal in Dubai?

Passport renewal in Dubai is handled by different providers depending on your nationality. For UAE citizens, the service is run by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) via its Smart Services platform and Customer Happiness Centres. For Indian nationals—the largest expat group—the Alhind Group has recently taken over from BLS International as the official service provider for Indian consular and passport renewal services in the UAE, including Dubai.

For UAE citizens (Emiratis)

  • Responsible authority: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
  • Where to apply in Dubai:
    • GDRFA Dubai – Main Building
    • Customer Happiness Center – Hatta
    • Customer Happiness Center – Al Tweer
    • Customer Happiness Center – Airport Services (Terminal 3)
    • Or via the GDRFADUBAI Smart App / ICP Smart Services.
  • How it works: You can apply online through ICP Smart Services or the app, then visit a centre if biometrics or document submission are needed.

For Indian nationals in Dubai (and wider UAE)

A major change has just taken effect in 2026:

  • New provider: Alhind Group replaces BLS International as the operator of Indian Consular Application Centres across the UAE.
  • What this means:
    • Indian passport renewals in Dubai are now processed through Alhind Group’s Indian Consular Application Centres , not BLS.
    • Alhind has announced plans to introduce home-based passport renewal services (a pilot for Indian expats), so some applicants may eventually be able to complete parts of the process without visiting a centre.
  • Why this is trending: The switch has coincided with:
    • A fee hike of up to 75% for Indian passports from July 1, 2026.
* Temporary disruption and delays as the contract transitions, with the dispute even reaching India’s Supreme Court.

* A rush of renewals as people try to beat higher fees and adapt to new rules.

Other nationalities using Dubai-based services

  • South Africans: Passport renewals are handled by VFS Global at its Visa Application Centre in Wafi City, Dubai.
  • Other countries: Many use global providers like VFS Global or their own embassy/consulate in Dubai; the exact agent depends on the country.

Mini timeline (2025–2026) for Indian passport renewal in UAE

  • 2025: BLS International still operating Indian passport centres; new photo guidelines announced for Dubai from September 2025.
  • June 2026: Alhind Group announced as new provider; home-based pilot planned.
  • Late June 2026: India raises passport fees by up to 75% from July 1; expats in UAE affected.
  • Early July 2026: Reports of delays and confusion as the contract battle plays out in Indian courts; guidance on walk-ins and fees published.

TL;DR: In Dubai, UAE passports are renewed via ICP/GDRFA ; Indian passports are now handled by Alhind Group (replacing BLS), while South African passports go through VFS Global.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.