India's online passport application service to start in UK

India today announced the launch of an online-only passport application service in the UK from Wednesday, a move aimed at streamlining services provided by the Indian mission here.
"Applications for Passports will be accepted at the High Commission of India through online appointment system only with effect from July 23," a High Commission of India statement said here.
"A total of 100 slots on daily basis will be available. The High Commission will continue to accept applications through post," it said.
The move is among a series of steps introduced by the Indian mission here to streamline services.
The Indian mission had recently also set up a "Public Response Unit" as well as weekly "Open Houses" to coordinate its response to a growing number of queries from NRIs and people of Indian-origin in the UK.

Earlier this year, the Indian High Commission had announced the launch of an online booking system for the submission of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) applications to tackle waiting time at India House premises in central London.
The process of outsourcing the collection and delivery for various services including passports, visas, OCI and PIO cards and various other consular services has been initiated and is expected to be in place by the end of this year.