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Indian passport changes: Here’s what every expats needs to know

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The Indian government has announced significant changes to the country’s passport regulations, introducing a series of reforms aimed at enhancing security, privacy, and efficiency in the application process.

While these changes may not impact all citizens, they represent a crucial shift in how passports are issued and managed. Here are the key updates:

1. Introduction of Colour-Coded Passports

To streamline identification, authorities will implement a colour-coded system:

  • White – Issued to government officials
  • Red – Reserved for diplomats
  • Blue – Standard passport for ordinary citizens

This measure aims to simplify passport classification and identification processes.

2. Birth Certificate Mandatory for New Applicants

From October 1, 2023, individuals born on or after this date must present a birth certificate as the sole valid proof of date of birth when applying for a passport. Acceptable birth certificates must be issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, Municipal Corporation, or other designated authorities under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

3. Residential Address to be Removed from Passports

In a move to enhance privacy, the passport holder’s residential address will no longer be printed on the document. Instead, this information will be embedded in a barcode, which can be scanned by immigration officials when needed.

4. Parents’ Names No Longer Required

The updated regulations remove the requirement to include parents’ names in passports. This adjustment is designed to support children of single parents and individuals from estranged families, ensuring greater inclusivity.

5. Alternative Documents for Those Born Before October 2023

Applicants born before October 1, 2023, will still be able to use alternative documents to prove their date of birth, including:

  • Educational certificates (transfer certificate, school leaving certificate, matriculation certificate)
  • PAN card (if it includes date of birth)
  • Valid driving licence
  • Government service records (service book extract, Pay Pension Order)
  • Life insurance policy bond (if it mentions date of birth)
  • Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar (provided it includes full date of birth)
  • Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
  • Declaration from an orphanage or childcare home confirming date of birth

6. Address Proof Still Required

Applicants will still need to submit proof of address when applying for a passport. Accepted documents include:

  • Utility bills (water, telephone, electricity)
  • Income Tax Assessment Order
  • Election Commission voter ID
  • Gas connection proof
  • Employer certificate (for employees of recognised organisations)
  • Spouse’s passport copy (if residing at the same address)
  • Parent’s passport copy (for minors)
  • Aadhaar card
  • Rent agreement
  • Bank passbook (from a recognised bank)

7. Faster Processing with Aadhaar

The Passport Seva Online Portal has emphasised that submitting an Aadhaar card can expedite passport applications, as it serves as proof of address and identity.

With these changes, the government aims to modernise India’s passport system while ensuring greater security, efficiency, and accessibility for all citizens. The revised rules will take effect once officially published in the Gazette.

(Source: Outlook)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Parents, take note: Dubai Police warn about teens riding motorbikes after Iftar in residential areas

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As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

  • Riding without proper safety measures
  • Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
  • Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

  • Impounded motorcycles
  • Summoned parents
  • Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

  • Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
  • Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
  • Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.

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Foodilicious: A new Dubai-based TV series that brings Ramadan culinary traditions and cultural stories to screen

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A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling,  rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.












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Huge relief for drivers: New Dubai bridge cuts travel time to 1 minute

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Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.

And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.

What’s the new bridge?

  • It spans 1,000 metres
  • Has two lanes
  • Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
  • Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira

It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.

Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.

Why this intersection matters

The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:

  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
  • Sheikh Rashid Street
  • 2nd December Street
  • Zabeel Palace Street
  • Al Majlis Street

It also serves key destinations like:

  • Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Dubai International Financial Centre

More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.

From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds

When the full five-bridge project is completed:

  • Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
  • That’s a 92% reduction
  • Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
  • The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction

Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.

Who benefits most?

  • Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
  • Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
  • Businesses in DIFC
  • Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre

For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.

If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.

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