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)

As the spirit of giving intensifies during Ramadan, UAE authorities have raised an urgent alarm over a rise in online begging and fraudulent fundraising campaigns. Cybercriminals are exploiting the holy month’s generosity by targeting unsuspecting donors with deceptive tactics. The UAE Cybersecurity Council urges residents to stay vigilant, ensuring their contributions reach legitimate recipients through secure and verified channels.

Rise in Fraudulent Appeals

Since the beginning of Ramadan, several UAE citizens and residents have received messages on websites and social media platforms seeking donations to unknown bank accounts. These appeals often claim to support the poor, orphans, the sick, or communities in need, as well as contribute to Iftar meals.

In response, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has urged the public to report any unauthorised fundraising campaigns or suspicious donation channels — whether online or on social media — by contacting the helpline at 800623.

Penalties for Unauthorised Fundraising

The UAE Public Prosecution has emphasised the severe penalties for promoting or organising fundraising activities without the necessary license. Individuals found guilty of operating a website, supervising one, or publishing online content to solicit donations without proper authorisation — or in violation of approved licensing conditions – could face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000.

Case of Online Fraud

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department highlighted a real-life case on its “X” account, where an individual created a WhatsApp group called “The Path to Goodness.” Multiple members were added, and messages were sent claiming, “Dear benefactors, I know a family of orphans whose eldest brother is struggling with debt due to their financial burdens.” He then encouraged donations to a specified bank account. However, instead of using the funds for charity, he withdrew the money to purchase illegal substances.

“Donate Safely” Campaign

To combat fraud, the Ministry of Community Empowerment has launched its “Donate Safely and Protect Your Money from Exploitation” campaign. This initiative encourages donors to verify the legitimacy of fundraising organisations before contributing and comply with Federal Law No. 3 of 2021, which regulates fundraising activities and protects donor funds. The ministry urges the public to report unauthorised donation campaigns or suspicious activities via the helpline.

Tips to Avoid Online Fraud

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has outlined five key tips to help individuals avoid phishing scams and identify fraudulent donation schemes:

1. Verify official channels – Always check the official social media accounts of companies or charitable organisations before donating.
2. Be wary of unrealistic offers – Avoid exaggerated deals, unrealistic discounts, or suspiciously low prices.
3. Protect personal information – Never share personal details via email or text messages.
4. Confirm caller identity – In the UAE, companies must use verified caller IDs. Do not share sensitive information with unidentified callers.

UAE Law on Fundraising

According to a legal expert, UAE regulations require organisations to obtain prior authorisation before launching donation drives. These regulations ensure transparency by specifying:

• The licensed charitable organisation responsible for collecting donations.
• The clear purpose of the fundraising campaign, including fund allocation and beneficiaries.
• Approved methods and platforms for fundraising.
• The campaign’s duration and operational costs are deducted by the organising charity.

Individuals are strictly prohibited from launching donation campaigns on social media without official authorisation, ensuring funds reach legitimate recipients.

UAE’s Federal Law on Anti-Begging

According to Federal Law by Decree No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, anyone caught begging in the UAE faces a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months of imprisonment. Those operating organised begging rings or recruiting individuals from abroad for begging can face a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and a jail term of at least six months.

The law aims to:

• Preserve the UAE’s image.
• Protect society from scams.
• Combat begging and organised begging networks.

At the discretion of the UAE’s Public Prosecution, individuals accused of begging but qualifying for social welfare may be referred to the Ministry of Community Development or relevant local authority for social support or vocational training.

Reporting Beggars

Authorities urge the public to report instances of begging through the following channels:

• Abu Dhabi: Call 999 or 8002626 (800Aman), SMS 2828, or email aman@adpolice.gov.ae.
• Dubai: Call 901, 800243, or 8004888.
• Sharjah: Call 901, 06-5632222, or 06-5631111.
• Ras Al Khaimah: Call 07-2053372.
• Ajman: Call 06-7034310.
• Umm Al Quwain: Call 999.
• Fujairah: Call 09-2051100 or 09-2224411.

Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of donating through verified channels to ensure funds reach those in genuine need and to protect individuals from financial exploitation.

(Source: GN, www.u.ae/)