If you’ve been trying to get your spouse’s name on your Indian passport while living in the UAE without a marriage certificate, we understand it’s challenging. Good news: it is now possible! The Indian Consulate in Dubai has confirmed a newly relaxed rule from the Ministry of External Affairs that lets you update your passport using a simple affidavit called Annexure J. No marriage certificate? No problem. Let’s break down the rules for better understanding.
What Is Annexure J & What Indian Expats In UAE Must Know About It
Annexure J is now officially your new help to enter Dubai if your marriage isn’t registered, but you still want your spouse’s name on your passport. Instead of producing a marriage certificate, all you need is a signed declaration from both of you. This document confirms that you’re married and living together, includes a recent joint photograph, and lists your passport numbers, Aadhaar or voter ID numbers, and full residential address.
It’s basically a solemn promise, complete with signatures, that you’re telling the truth. The form also includes a disclaimer saying the applicant takes full responsibility for any legal disputes that might pop up later.
Who’s Eligible And When?
This change applies to Indian expats in the UAE who want to renew or reissue their passports. Since you can’t apply for a fresh passport abroad unless it’s for a newborn, this rule is for those needing updates during passport renewal. Annexure J goes along with your application, making the whole process less frustrating for couples who don’t have official marriage documents.
And it’s not just about adding your spouse’s name. Women who’ve changed their surname after marriage can use Annexure J if they’re skipping the whole certificate hassle. However, if you’re changing your full name, not just the surname, you’ll still have to go through the usual legal name-change process.
Also Read: Good News! Philippines Is Now Visa-Free For Indians; Here’s All You Need To Know About It
Marriage Registration Still Exists, But With Conditions
If you’re wondering whether you should still register your marriage, the answer is: it depends. The Indian Consulate in Dubai still offers marriage registration under India’s Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, but only under certain conditions. One of you must hold a valid UAE residence visa, and neither of you can be Muslim.
Why? Because under UAE law, Muslim marriages must be registered through the Sharia court. So, if you’ve tied the knot in India and want it registered officially, you’ll need to do that back home, not in Dubai. Annexure J is a game-changer for Indian expats in the UAE. It brings ease, saves time, and ditches the need for endless paperwork. It’s simple, it’s official, and it’s already in effect.
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