No More Legal Hurdles: New System Eases Passport Update for Indian Expats in UAE

Dubai: In a major relief for Indian expatriates in the UAE, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has officially introduced a new system that allows married individuals to add their spouse’s name to their passport without the need for a marriage registration certificate.

As per the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, submitting a document called Annexure J will now be sufficient in place of a registered marriage certificate.

This annexure includes a sworn affidavit by both spouses confirming that they are married and currently living together. It must be accompanied by:

• A joint photograph signed by both spouses
• Full names and residential addresses of both partners
• Valid ID details such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport numbers
• A declaration stating that the information provided is accurate
• An acknowledgment that consulate officials are not liable for any legal issues arising from the submission

With this, even couples who haven’t formally registered their marriage can now have family details added to their passports.

This move is aimed at eliminating legal barriers and making consular services more accessible and convenient for Indian citizens. It is particularly beneficial for those updating their passports or living abroad with their families.