Imagine holding your passport and seeing another one in your own house, but with a different design. I understand if you panic straight away, thinking: “Which one is legal?” Well, this ain’t simply a nightmare but a reality now. Indians in the UAE might have three different designs on their passport. But the best part? Well, all three are legal. Let us understand more about this situation. Indians in the UAE are holding three distinct generations of passports. Each represents the nation’s evolving approach to technology, security, and design.
UAE Expats Witness A Historic First In Passport Evolution For Indians
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai recently rolled out the chip-embedded ePassport.This marks the latest upgrade in India’s passport system. So, this means Indian expats’ households can expect to own the pre-2021 design, the 2021 redesigned version, and the brand-new RFID-enabled ePassport.
Why the difference? Because renewals happen at different times, this unique mix of design will likely remain for several years. It has been called the “collector’s phase” in Indian passport history for UAE and beyond as per a report by the Gulf News.
What Differences Can One Notice Among Three Passports?
There’s no change in the colour as it remains the same classic navy blue. But the changes would be noticed in the details that tell the story. In the 2021 redesign, the placement of words changed: “Republic of India” shifted to the top, and “Passport” moved beneath the national emblem, giving it a bolder, more modern look.
The new ePassport keeps this layout but adds a small gold symbol at the bottom of the cover, indicating a built-in electronic chip. Inside, the numbering system also gets a makeover. The Indian passport’s older versions used one letter followed by seven digits, while the ePassport uses two letters and six digits. This change reflects new digital security systems in action.
A Leap In Security
Each passport has introduced new layers of protection. The pre-2021 passports were simpler, while the 2021 versions added double lamination, reverse stitching, and anti-counterfeiting motifs like lotus and peacock patterns. The ePassport includes an RFID chip that securely stores the holder’s biometric data and personal details. The system relies on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Basically, it’s a global standard ensuring the information inside the chip can’t be tampered with or forged and provides protection against identity fraud.
Also Read: Why Indian Passports Come In 4 Different Colours, And What Do They Reveal About The Status?
Are All Three Valid?
Yes, every version remains valid until its expiry date, as confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, as mentioned by Gulf News. As the UAE Indian missions prepare to share more details on the ePassport rollout, this marks a milestone moment for India’s global travellers in terms of tech upgrade.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Anjuman Sharma from Getty Images
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