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)

Parents now have an extra week to register their children for the 2025-2026 school year in public schools after the Ministry of Education announced an extension to the enrollment period on Saturday, March 8.

The move aims to give families more time to complete the necessary paperwork for their children’s admission. The registration process applies to all grade levels, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, across government schools nationwide.

Who Can Register?

The extended deadline applies to several student categories:

• Newcomers: First-time students enrolling in kindergarten or first grade.
• Transfer students: Those switching from private schools within the country or moving from schools abroad.
• Advanced track students: Emirati students and children of Emirati mothers enrolling in grades five through eight in the specialized “advanced track” (formerly known as the “elite” track).

Only Emirati students and children of Emirati women with citizenship can apply for the advanced track.

This extension offers parents a final opportunity to ensure their children are enrolled for the upcoming academic year.

(Source: siasat.com)

Pet owners in Abu Dhabi are welcoming a major new rule requiring all pets to be registered on the TAMM portal, a move designed to combat the emirate’s rising number of abandoned animals.

The initiative, which launches on February 3, 2025, aims to create a centralized database to track lost and stray pets while promoting responsible pet ownership. However, pet owners must take advantage of the grace period to avoid fines starting next year.

Don’t Ignore Warning

Dr. Mariam Al Shamsi, Animal Welfare Support Analyst at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), confirmed that pet owners have until December 31, 2025, to register without penalties. But from January 2026, non-compliant pet owners will be fined in line with government regulations.

“We will focus on education first, issuing warnings rather than fines in 2025,” said Dr. Al Shamsi. “But from 2026, those who ignore the system will face penalties.”

The mandatory registration is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to reduce stray animal numbers, curb disease transmission, and enhance community safety.

Registration is Compulsory

The government introduced this rule to tackle Stray animals disrupting residential areas. Health risks from unvaccinated pets. Animal welfare by ensuring all pets receive proper medical care. Lost pet recovery, making it easier to reunite pets with their owners.

“This isn’t just about compliance,” Dr. Al Shamsi stressed. “It’s about keeping pets safe, reducing disease, and improving public health.”

Vet Clinics to Handle Registrations

Only authorized veterinary clinics will process registrations, ensuring pet owners: Complete a health check-up. Verify vaccination records. Get their pet microchipped for identification. Receive guidance on the new system.

To assist, the DMT has trained vet clinics and provided a real-time dashboard to streamline registrations and pet tracking.

Public Awareness and QR Codes for Easy Registration

The government has also launched awareness campaigns in vet clinics and pet stores, featuring QR codes that link to FAQs on registration. Pet owners can also find key details via DMT’s official Instagram bio.

Perks of the Registration System

Registered pets benefit from: Official proof of ownership – protecting pet owners’ rights. Faster lost pet recovery – thanks to the central database. Automatic vaccination reminders – keeping pets healthy. Better animal welfare – ensuring all pets receive essential medical care.

“This system will help us track pet populations, improve medical care, and reduce strays,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.

Coming Soon to the TAMM Portal

Dr. Al Shamsi also announced exciting upgrades to the TAMM portal, including:  Pet insurance services.  Maps of pet-friendly areas.  A lost-and-found pet reporting system.

“This will make the TAMM portal a one-stop hub for pet owners, helping them monitor pet health, report lost pets, and ensure their well-being,” she added.

Microchipping Must Be Done

All pets must be microchipped for traceable ownership, but DNA profiling won’t be required for now.

“Microchipping is vital for identifying lost pets and reuniting them with owners quickly,” emphasized Dr. Al Shamsi.

Free Pet Registration

For now, pet registration is completely FREE at authorized vet clinics across Abu Dhabi. However, pets must first undergo a health check-up and vaccination.

“Eventually, all vet clinics in Abu Dhabi will offer this service,” said Dr. Al Shamsi.

Fines Coming Soon

While 2025 is a grace period, from January 1, 2026, fines will be enforced for those who ignore the rules. The government has yet to reveal the exact penalties, but pet owners are urged to register before it’s too late!

“This isn’t just about legal requirements,” Dr. Al Shamsi concluded. “It’s about protecting animals, reducing strays, and ensuring public health.”

How to Register Your Pet

Pet owners can register their pets at any authorised vet clinic in Abu Dhabi or via the TAMM portal online. The process includes: A health check-up Vaccination record verification Microchipping for identification

(Source:dayofdubai, KT)