Indian passport and consular service applicants in the UAE have been advised to use their own email address and mobile number when booking appointments, or risk delays or even rejection of their applications.

The warning comes from the newly launched Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs), which took over passport, visa, attestation and other consular services across the UAE on July 22.

Mismatch could delay process

According to the ICAC, the email address and phone number used during the appointment booking must belong to the applicant.

These details will be verified when the application is submitted at the centre.

The ICAC warned that any mismatch could delay processing or lead to the application being rejected. Please ensure all information and supporting documents are accurate before attending your appointment.

Booking for a family member?

If someone else, such as a relative, books the appointment on the applicant’s behalf, proof of the relationship must be provided during the application process.

Applicants should carry all required supporting documents to avoid delays.

New appointment system

Following the Government of India’s appointment of Alhind Tours & Travels as the new service provider, all passport, visa, consular and attestation appointments must now be booked through the official consularsevainuae.com portal.

New appointment slots are released twice daily at 9am and 9pm.

New ICAC centres

The new network includes 16 Indian Consular Application Centres across the UAE, handling passport, visa and other consular services.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal visited the ICAC centre in Sharjah, where he reviewed operations and met with staff and applicants as the new system began.

Etihad Rail’s passenger network is expanding, with two new stations in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region set to open on November 30.

The opening date for the Madinat Zayed and Liwa stations was confirmed after Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra, met Etihad Rail officials at Al Nakheel Palace on Wednesday.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, Sheikh Hamdan directed that both stations be operational in time for Abu Dhabi’s busy festival and entertainment season, making travel easier for residents and visitors.

Where are the new stations?

Madinat Zayed: The station will connect one of the Al Dhafra region’s largest towns to the UAE’s national passenger rail network.

Liwa: Located in the famous Liwa Oasis, the station is expected to improve access to the region’s iconic desert attractions.

Passenger network rollout

The UAE officially launched Etihad Rail’s passenger service on June 30, with three daily services operating between Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal in Fujairah.

More stations will open in phases:

• September 30, 2026: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai) and Al Dhaid.
• November 30, 2026: Madinat Zayed and Liwa.
• December 30, 2026: Al Dhannah and Al Sila.
• March 30, 2027: University City in Sharjah.

The phased rollout will continue expanding the UAE’s national passenger rail network, improving connectivity between major cities and regional destinations.

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified six situations in which employees may not receive compensation for workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

The rules are part of the country’s occupational health and safety framework, which aims to reduce workplace accidents while ensuring employers and employees follow safety standards.

When compensation can be denied

According to MoHRE, employees may lose their right to compensation if they:

• Intentionally injure themselves.
• Are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances at the time of the incident.
• Deliberately ignore clearly displayed workplace safety instructions.
• Cause the injury through intentional misconduct.
• Refuse, without a valid reason, to undergo a medical examination or follow prescribed treatment.
• Are found by authorities to have intentionally violated workplace safety regulations.

Employer responsibilities

Under UAE labour laws, employers must provide a safe workplace by:

• Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge.
• Training employees on workplace safety.
• Conducting health checks where required.
• Keeping records of workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
• Reporting workplace accidents to the relevant medical and police authorities.

Employers are also required to investigate workplace incidents and maintain health records for employees exposed to occupational risks.

Compensation rules

Employers must cover medical treatment costs for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.

Compensation is calculated based on the employee’s latest basic salary and should be paid within 10 days of the medical report determining the level of disability.

If a workplace injury results in permanent disability or death, compensation is paid according to UAE labour regulations, with the final assessment made by a specialised medical committee.

Importantly, employers cannot terminate an injured employee’s contract until all legal entitlements have been settled.

What counts as a work injury?

A work injury includes accidents that happen while performing job duties, as well as certain accidents during direct travel to or from work. Occupational diseases linked to an employee’s job are also covered under UAE law.

Focus on prevention

MoHRE says the regulations are designed to balance employee protection with personal responsibility. While workers are protected when injuries occur during the course of employment, they are also expected to follow workplace safety rules.

The ministry continues to inspect private-sector companies to ensure compliance, helping create safer and healthier workplaces across the UAE.