Indian consulate to offer emergency services on holidays

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai will remain open on all holidays for two hours from Aug.1 to offer emergency passport and visa services. However, the mission has reiterated that applicants need to ascertain that they really fall in the category of emergency services, which cannot be postponed to the next working day of the consulate.

The mission will remain open during all holidays, including Friday and Saturday, from 8:00am to 10:00am to address emergency requirements of the general public. This is a temporary arrangement which will continue till Dec.31, 2020.

"All people are hereby advised that before coming to the consulate for any emergency service, they should call our 24x7 helpline numbers to ascertain the prerequisite of supporting documents for these services and to ensure that they really fall in the category of emergency services, which cannot be postponed to the next working day of the Consulate,” stated the press note issued by the mission on Monday.

This facility is only for emergency requirements of travel documents such as passports, emergency certificates and visas, only for exceptional cases.

However, those with labour cases and other distress cases requiring emergency intervention on part of the consulate can also approach the consulate during these hours.

For passport renewal cases, Indian expats need to fill an online application form, available at https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/ and take a printout. The applicant should also attach latest photographs with a light background, the first and last page copy of the passport, visa copy/Emirates ID number and documentary proof of emergency. Change in personal particulars is not allowed in emergency passport renewal services.

As on date, normal visa services are suspended. However, for emergency visa requirements, one should visit the website at https://www.cgidubai.gov.in/page/categories-of-visa/ to ascertain the requirements of documents before visiting the consulate with a proof of emergency. The visa form is required to be filled in the consulate.

All applicants planning to visit the consulate to avail of these services must call 24x7 helpline numbers 056-5463903 (24x7), or 054-3090575, 054-3090571, 054-3090572 (8:00am to 8:00pm). To ensure access to the consulate, a Unique Reference Number will be given to the applicant.

It is reiterated that general concerns on different issues including labour issues will not be entertained during this time as they can be dealt with on working days only.