Non-resident Indians (NRIs) living in the United Arab Emirates who are applying for new or renewed passports will get the same with a new design and extra safety features.
The Indian Embassy in Dubai has completed phasing out the standard passports with 36 pages and an old design. It is currently issuing regular passports with the new design but the 60-page-jumbo passport continues to be issued in the old format until it is stocked out.
Introduced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in 2019, the new design of regular passports is being issued to citizens of Indian Origin.
According to the UAE officials, the old booklet of the regular passport has been phased out and they have started issuing the jumbo passport in the new design but they still have to clear the stocks.
The new passport has got a new design and durability as well. Security features have also been updated. Take a look at what will be included when you renew your passport.
- It has a reverse stitching method that will improve safety and durability. The dark bluish colour of the cover, however, has been retained. ‘The Republic of India’ is printed in a bigger font and ‘passport’ written on top of the cover comes down below the emblem of India. This is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka. It is a sculpture of four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back on an elaborate base that adds other animals. The emblem is emblazoned at the centre.
- The new design of the cover page has been kept as it is but on the opening page of the passport, and the declaration “this passport contains 36 pages” has been moved to the opening page. Besides, the passport number is embossed on each page of the booklet in a slightly different way.
- To prevent counterfeiting, additional symbols have been introduced other than the ghost image of the applicant.
- A basket of images of lotus, peacock and other symbols of national importance are also being used.
- ‘IND’ letters have been inked on the edge of all pages but it can only be figured out when the pages of the booklets are held together.
- The last page of the passport that contains parents’ names and address details is doubly laminated.
The changes effected in design will not impact the application process or duration taken for issuing the passport.
