New Indian Passport Rule: What Expats in UAE Must Know About Annexure J

If you're an Indian expat living in the UAE and planning to renew your passport or apply for a new one, there's a new rule you need to be aware of—Annexure J.

This recent update has caused quite a stir among the Indian community abroad, especially in the Gulf. So what exactly is Annexure J, and how does it impact you? Let’s break it down in plain, simple terms.

What is Annexure J?

Annexure J is a self-declaration form that Indian nationals residing outside India must now submit when applying for a passport—whether it's a renewal, reissue, or a fresh application. It's a relatively short document, but its implications are important.

The form essentially requires the applicant to confirm that they have not acquired citizenship or permanent residency (PR) of another country. In other words, you’re declaring that you're still an Indian citizen.

Why This Change?

The Indian government says the move is part of efforts to streamline passport services and prevent misuse of Indian passports by those who may no longer be eligible to hold one.

Let’s say, for instance, you’ve been living in the UAE for several years and have acquired a different nationality or PR status but haven't given up your Indian passport. That’s technically not allowed under Indian law, as India doesn’t permit dual citizenship.

By introducing Annexure J, the authorities are making sure applicants are transparent about their citizenship status.

What You Need to Do

If you're applying for a passport in the UAE through the Indian embassy or consulate, or via BLS International (the outsourced service provider), you’ll now need to download, fill out, and sign Annexure J as part of your application package.

Here’s what the form asks for:

• Your full name and passport details

• A declaration that you are residing outside India

• Confirmation that you haven’t acquired foreign citizenship or PR

You can find the form on the official website of the Indian Embassy or BLS International’s UAE site. Print it, fill it, and include it in your application documents.

Who Needs to Submit It?

All Indian citizens applying for passport services outside India are now required to submit this annexure. So whether you're a student, a working professional, a homemaker, or even a senior citizen—this rule applies to you.

However, if you’ve already taken another country’s citizenship and are trying to renew your Indian passport—this won’t work. The new rule is designed to catch that.

Final Thoughts

While Annexure J might seem like just another form, it's a step toward more transparency in passport issuance. For most expats who are still Indian citizens, it’s simply a formality—just one more paper in the stack.

So don’t stress. Just download it, fill it out honestly, and include it in your passport application. It’s that simple.

And remember, staying updated with passport rules ensures smooth travel and fewer surprises down the road.