His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, inaugurated the first international campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) at Dubai International Academic City, part of TECOM Group PJSC. Strengthening UAE–India Educational…
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to transform into an international board and expand its footprint beyond India, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced. Speaking at a Teachers’ Day event hosted by the Indian Consulate in Dubai on September 11, 2025, Pradhan said CBSE is working on commissioning an international board under…
Indian travellers now enjoy unprecedented global mobility. In 2025, more than 50 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and Latin America have adopted e-Visas or electronic travel authorisations (eTAs) for Indian passport holders. This digital transformation makes international travel faster, easier, and more accessible than ever before. Surge in e-Visa Applications According to Atlys, a…
In 2025, residents of the UAE enjoy greater freedom to travel than ever before. With a valid residence visa, UAE residents can enter more than 140 countries without a prior visa, either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival facilities. What makes this even more exciting is that the privilege extends not only to Emirati citizens but also…
Starting September 1, Indian expats in Dubai applying for new passports or renewals must follow updated photo guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Indian Consulate announced that all applications now require ICAO-compliant photographs, ensuring global biometric and travel document standards. Key requirements include: The directive, issued by India’s Ministry of External…
India’s economy has long awaited a breakthrough to propel it into higher growth. While recent reforms—like income tax rebates and GST rationalisation—offer temporary relief, there is one simple policy shift that could create a permanent cycle of economic activity: restoring the old tax residency rule for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). From 182 Days to 120 Days…
The Embassy of India has announced the relocation of the BLS International Centre in the capital. Effective August 25, 2025, the centre has shifted from Shams Boutique Mall, Al Reem, to its new premises at Wafra Square Building, 3rd Floor, Office No. 342, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Applicants seeking passport, visa, and other consular…
Indian property buyers have been cautioned against using international credit cards to make down payments on real estate abroad, as it could lead to legal and financial complications. Experts explained that under India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), property purchases abroad are classified as capital account transactions. However, international credit cards are permitted only for…
For many non-resident Indians (NRIs) living in the UAE, an Aadhaar card has become an essential document. It is widely used for accessing banking services, registering mobile numbers, and availing various government services in India. More recently, CBSE schools in the UAE have begun requesting Aadhaar details to generate an Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry…
A new directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India on the mandatory submission of APAAR IDs for board exam registration has caused confusion among Indian expat students and parents in the UAE. Earlier this month, CBSE made it compulsory for students in India to provide APAAR IDs, which are generated using…
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in mutual funds in India often ask whether they must file a tax return if tax is already deducted at source (TDS). The answer depends on how capital gains are classified under Indian income tax law. Long-term capital gains on mutual fundsSince the investment was made in 2019, the mutual fund…
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in Indian real estate now have stronger safeguards, thanks to the latest changes in the country’s insolvency laws. Earlier, homebuyers who had fully paid for their property often faced long delays in taking possession if the developer entered insolvency proceedings. They had to wait until a resolution was finalized, which created…