(DUBAI) South Africans in the United Arab Emirates can now renew their passports at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Wafi Mall, Dubai, with services live since July 2025. The South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi also accepts applications. VFS Global is the sole authorised outsourced partner for the South African Department of Home Affairs in the UAE, ending the need to visit the Consulate General in Dubai.
The change matters to an estimated 100,000 South Africans in the UAE who depend on valid travel documents for work, family travel, and residency renewals. Officials say the process is simple: book online, bring the right papers, give biometrics, and wait as the application is processed in South Africa.
What applicants need to do now
- Go to the official VFS Global website and select Consular Services → Passport for South Africa.
- Book an appointment at Wafi Mall or choose the embassy in Abu Dhabi.
- Prepare all required documents listed online. Bring originals and copies.
- Attend your appointment for biometric enrolment and fee payment.
- Keep the reference number to track progress online.
Important: Apply early — book the earliest available appointment and keep your contact details updated so you receive alerts.
Processing and timeline
- Applications are sent to South Africa for decision.
- Renewed passports return to Dubai for collection at the same VFS Global centre.
- Estimated processing time: 8 to 10 weeks.
- Applicants should apply at least 12 months before their current passport expires.
- Avoid booking travel until you receive your new passport.
Why this rollout is important
Before July 2025, many South Africans in the UAE had to visit the Consulate General in Dubai or fly to South Africa for passport renewal. The new setup shifts routine work to VFS Global, which already handles South African passport renewals in multiple countries and manages visa services across 19 countries. This move:
- Saves time and reduces costs.
- Provides clearer steps and tracking.
- Reduces pressure on consular staff to focus on complex cases.
On-site services and optional extras
The Wafi Mall centre serves as a one-stop location for passport renewal. Optional add-ons include:
- Form-filling help
- Printing
- SMS and email alerts
- Premium Lounge
- Prime Time appointments outside regular hours
Note: These add-ons carry extra fees and do not speed up processing or change outcomes.
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Monaz Billimoria, Regional Head – UAE at VFS Global, welcomed the launch and thanked the South African Department of Home Affairs for its trust, citing a 15-year global partnership. She pointed to the enhanced customer experience at the world’s largest visa application centre in Dubai.
What to bring and common mistakes to avoid
- Follow the document checklist on the VFS Global site. Missing signatures, incorrect photos, or outdated copies can cause delays.
- Ensure your Emirates ID and UAE residence permit are valid and available if required.
- Bring your current passport and any supporting documents requested.
- Keep your contact details updated to receive alerts.
Common mistakes:
– Incorrect photo specifications
– Missing signatures
– Submitting old or incomplete copies
Tracking and collection
- Use your reference number to track your file online.
- Collect your passport from the same VFS Global centre where you applied, unless told otherwise.
- Bring your receipt and ID when collecting. If someone collects for you, check the rules for authorisation.
Costs and extras
- Base fees are payable at your appointment.
- Optional services (form assistance, SMS updates, Prime Time slots) cost extra.
- Using extra services will not shorten the 8–10 week processing time.
- Budget for possible delivery or handling fees if offered later.
Advice for families and workers
- Families should plan renewals for children during school breaks if possible, given the 8–10 week timeline.
- Workers tied to company travel should talk to HR early, especially if visas or trips depend on a valid passport.
- If your passport has fewer than 12 months left, book an appointment soon. Many airlines and countries require several months of validity.
What this means for the community
The UAE hosts a large South African expatriate population. Easier passport renewal:
- Supports job stability, family travel, and residency procedures.
- Reduces the need to fly home solely for renewals, cutting stress and cost.
- Allows consular staff to focus on complex cases.
Background and context
- The South African passport ranked 49th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 104 countries.
- Despite moderate travel freedom, many destinations still require visas. Keeping a passport valid and in good condition remains essential for border checks, airline requirements, and visa applications.
Policy and partnership
VFS Global’s role as the authorised outsourced partner reflects a common government model for managing high-volume services. As reported by VisaVerge.com, such partnerships often improve access through:
- Better appointment systems
- Clearer guidance
- Standardized customer support
VFS Global already handles South African passport renewals in four countries through eight centres; the UAE expansion continues that pattern.
Future outlook
Officials expect the service to expand with more customer tools, such as improved digital tracking and smoother communication. If demand grows, capacity could rise or additional options could appear. For now, the focus is steady service delivery at Wafi Mall and the embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Official information
For rules, security features, and official guidance on South African passports, consult the South African Department of Home Affairs. The department sets processing standards and issues passports in South Africa after receiving applications abroad.
Visit the Department of Home Affairs passport page on the government website: gov.za
Practical tips to stay on track
- Set a calendar reminder 12 months before expiry and book the earliest appointment.
- Check the photo rules on the VFS Global checklist — wrong sizes are a common cause for rejection.
- Keep copies of your current passport bio page, visa pages, and Emirates ID in a secure folder.
- Do not make travel plans until you receive your new passport in hand.
- If your residence permit renewal depends on the passport, share timelines with your employer early.
Applicant experience at a glance
- Who: South African nationals in the UAE
- What: Passport renewal through VFS Global, the official outsourced partner
- When: Service launched July 2025; processing time 8–10 weeks
- Where: VFS Global centre at Wafi Mall, Dubai; South African Embassy, Abu Dhabi
- Why: To simplify access, cut travel, and standardize service
- How: Book online, bring documents, give biometrics, pay fees, track status, collect passport
Final takeaway: South Africans living in the UAE now have a clear, local path to passport renewal through VFS Global at Wafi Mall and the embassy in Abu Dhabi. The process is straightforward, but planning ahead is vital due to the 8–10 week timeline. With careful preparation and early booking, most applicants should move from appointment to collection without trouble.
For official policy details and passport information, see the South African Department of Home Affairs website at gov.za.
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