Removing Your Spouse's Name from Your Indian Passport in the UAE

Navigating changes to your official documents can feel daunting, especially when you're living abroad. If you're looking to remove your spouse's name from your Indian passport while residing in the UAE, rest assured, it's a clear process, often tied to a passport re-issue. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from required documents to the application steps, making it as straightforward as possible.

Why Remove Your Spouse's Name?

The most common reasons to remove a spouse's name from an Indian passport are:

• Divorce: Following a legal divorce, you'll want your passport to reflect your current marital status.
• Death of Spouse: In the unfortunate event of a spouse's demise, updating your passport is a necessary step.
• Correction/Error: Rarely, a spouse's name might have been added in error, requiring a correction.

In most cases, this change is facilitated during the process of applying for a new passport (re-issue) due to expiry, exhaustion of pages, or other data changes.

What You'll Need: Essential Documents

Gathering the correct documents is the most critical part of this process. Missing even one can cause significant delays. Here's a comprehensive list:

1. Your Current Original Passport: This is mandatory.
2. Copies of Your Passport: Typically, copies of the first two and last two pages, including the page with your UAE visa stamp.
3. UAE Residence Visa Copy: A clear copy of your valid UAE residence visa.
4. Passport-Sized Photographs:
   • 2 photos
   • Size: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
   • Background: White
   • Face: Full frontal view, open eyes, natural expression, no shadows.
   • Quality: High resolution, not digitally enhanced.
5. Proof of Marital Status Change: This is the core document for removing your spouse's name.
   • For Divorce: Original Divorce Decree (Court Order) that is final and absolute. If the divorce was granted outside India, it might need to be attested by the relevant Indian mission or apostilled, depending on the country.
   • For Death of Spouse: Original Death Certificate of your spouse.
6. Marriage Certificate (Optional but Recommended): If you had submitted your marriage certificate to add your spouse's name previously, it's good to keep a copy handy, although it's usually not required for removal.
7. Address Proof:
   • Indian Address Proof: A copy of a valid Indian address proof (e.g., Aadhar Card, utility bill, bank passbook, rental agreement) in your name. This is for your permanent address in India.
   • UAE Address Proof (Optional but useful): A utility bill (DEWA/SEWA/ADDC), rental agreement, or an employer letter confirming your UAE address.
8. Annexure E (Self-Declaration): This is a mandatory self-declaration form stating that the information provided is correct and that you are applying for a passport re-issue. You will usually fill this out online or get a template from the VFS Global website.
9. Application Form: The online application form filled out on the official Indian Passport Seva portal and then printed.
10. Additional Documents (If Applicable): Depending on your specific case, the consulate might request further documents. It's wise to carry any other legal documents related to your marital status change.

Important Note on Originals vs. Copies: Always carry both the original documents and self-attested photocopies of everything. The originals will be verified and returned to you, while the copies will be retained.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The entire process for Indian passport services in the UAE is managed by VFS Global, acting on behalf of the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

1. Fill the Online Application Form:

   • Go to the official Indian Passport Seva website (passport.gov.in).
   • Register if you're a new user, or log in if you have an existing account.
   • Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport."
   • Choose "Passport Re-issue" and then select "Change in Existing Personal Particulars." Under this, select "Spouse Name."
   • Fill out all the details accurately. Pay close attention to the marital status section.
   • Once filled, save and print the application form. You will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN).

2. Book an Appointment with VFS Global:

   • Visit the VFS Global website for Indian passport services in the UAE.
   • Navigate to the "Book an Appointment" section.
   • Select your nearest VFS Global center (Dubai or Abu Dhabi).
   • Choose a suitable date and time for your appointment. Print the appointment confirmation.

3. Visit the VFS Global Center:

   • Arrive at the VFS Global center on your scheduled date and time. It's best to be early.
   • Ensure you have all your original documents, their photocopies, the printed online application form, and your appointment confirmation.
   • At the center, your documents will be reviewed, and your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken.
   • You might be asked to sign Annexure E or other declarations if not already done.

4. Pay the Fees:

   • Pay the applicable passport re-issue fee and VFS Global service charges at the counter. The fees can vary slightly, so check the VFS Global website for the most current rates.
   • Expect typical fees to be around AED 285-300 for a normal 36-page passport, plus VFS service charges. Tatkal (expedited) service will cost more.

5. Receive Acknowledgment:

   • Once your application is submitted and fees paid, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt with a tracking number. Keep this safe.

6. Track Your Application:

   • You can track the status of your application online using the tracking number provided by VFS Global. You can also check the status on the Passport Seva website using your ARN.

7. Passport Collection:

   • Once your new passport is ready, you will usually receive an SMS or email notification.
   • You can collect your passport from the VFS Global center during specified collection hours, presenting your acknowledgment receipt and a valid ID. Alternatively, you might have opted for courier delivery (if available and paid for).
   • Your old passport will be cancelled and returned to you along with the new one. The old passport often has a corner clipped to indicate cancellation but is still a valid proof of previous visas.

Fees and Timeframes

• Standard Passport (36 pages): Approximately AED 285-300 for the passport fee, plus VFS Global service charges (around AED 9) and optional courier fees.
• Jumbo Passport (60 pages): Slightly higher fee.
• Tatkal (Expedited) Service: An additional fee of around AED 570 on top of the normal passport fee for faster processing.

Processing Time:

• Normal Service: Typically takes 15-20 working days from the date of submission. This can extend if there are clarifications needed or for police verification in India.
• Tatkal Service: Can reduce the processing time significantly to 5-7 working days, provided all documents are in order and no adverse remarks are found during verification.

Important: These are approximate times. Always plan well in advance, especially if you have travel plans.

Practical Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all information filled in the online application form. Any discrepancy can lead to delays or rejection.
• Police Verification: For a re-issue, police verification might be conducted at your permanent address in India. Ensure your Indian address is correct and someone is available to receive the police. This is usually done after your new passport is issued.
• Keep Copies: Make photocopies of EVERYTHING you submit, including your old passport, visa, and all supporting documents.
• Check VFS Global Website: Always refer to the official VFS Global website for the most up-to-date document checklists, fees, and appointment availability for your specific location (Dubai or Abu Dhabi). Requirements can occasionally be updated.
• No Spousal Consent Needed: You do not need the consent or presence of your ex-spouse to remove their name from your passport, as long as you have the valid legal proof of divorce or death.
• Clarity on Divorce Decrees: Ensure your divorce decree is a final order and not an interim one. If it's in a language other than English or Hindi, it might require a certified translation.
• What if I don't have the original divorce decree? You will need to obtain a certified true copy from the court that issued it. Photocopies are generally not accepted without original verification.
• After Passport Update: Remember to update your marital status with other relevant authorities if necessary (e.g., banks, employer, other official documents). However, for UAE residence visa, the marital status on your passport usually doesn't directly impact the visa itself unless your visa was dependent on your spouse and you are now changing to an independent visa.

Removing your spouse's name from your Indian passport in the UAE is a straightforward administrative task once you have all your documents in order. By following these steps and being prepared, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.