MUSCAT: Indians in Oman can renew or apply for new passports online from next month onwards, the Embassy of India in Muscat tweeted.

From March 3, 2019, the Global Passport Seva Programme will come into effect, enabling people to apply for their passports through the portal https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in. The current process of passport renewal will last until March 10.

The new system is set to make it easier and more convenient for applications to be submitted and make passport services more accessible. “Applicants should register online at https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in (Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates) and create a user ID,” said an embassy official. “Then, they need to login using the newly created user ID and fill in the user-friendly application form online on the same portal. After submitting the form online, take a printout of the application.”

“Then, affix a photo at the designated place and signatures are required in designated places before submission to the BLS International Services LLC, Oman, or its collection centres as per the list given in the Indian Embassy. All required documents should also be submitted along with the application form at the BLS centre,” the Embassy representative said.

This would ensure speedy and hassle-free functioning of passport services for Indian citizens in Oman, the embassy said.

“For further assistance, applicants may contact BLS International Services LLC, Oman,” it added.

According to Oman government data, there are around 660,000 Indians in Oman.