India
The Indian Embassy has outsourced passport services to BLS International. Applicants can approach BLS in person to submit an application. Children under 5 are exempt from the in-person requirement. Abu Dhabi-issued passports can be obtained in five working days. Passports issued by authorities in India can take 40 days. Using the Taktal urgent scheme, passports are available the next day. Application forms can be downloaded at www.blsindiavisa-uae.com/passport/index.php or www.indembassyuae.org/drupal/PassportGeneralGuidelines
Pakistan
The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has upgraded its consular section to accommodate a larger number of applicants. "No appointment is needed and people can submit their papers at the mission in 30 minutes time," said Ahsan reza, deputy head of the embassy. He added that passports would be complete in two to three weeks.
US
American citizens who apply for a passport at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai are asked to make an appointment using its online system at abudhabi.usembassy.gov/passports.html or dubai.usconsulate.gov/passport_renewals.html.
Canada
Canadians can apply in person at their embassy and consulate after completing a Simplified Renewal Abroad Passport Application form, available online at www.ppt.gc.ca/info/form.aspx
UK
British nationals in the UAE need to apply for their passports at the British Embassy's regional passport processing centre in Europe, based in the offices of the British Consulate General in Düsseldorf, Germany. ukinuae.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports
* Anwar Ahmad and Ramona Ruiz