Losing a passport can be a stressful experience, especially when you are in a foreign country like the UAE. However, by following the right steps and procedures, you can ensure a smooth process of obtaining a new passport and re-stamping your residence visa.
Steps to follow if you lose your passport in UAE
In this comprehensive guide, Dubai Newsweek will walk you through the necessary steps to take if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your passport in the UAE.
Step 1: Report the Loss or Theft
As soon as you realize your passport is lost or stolen, it is crucial to report the incident to the nearest police station.
Provide them with all the relevant details and any supporting documents you may have, such as photocopies of your passport, visa, or sponsor’s passport if applicable.
If the lost passport belongs to a minor, the sponsoring parent should be present to endorse the report.
Step 2: Inform Your Sponsor (If Applicable)
If you are sponsored by an employer or family member, it is important to notify them about the loss of your passport.
If you are under an employer’s sponsorship, submit a letter written in Arabic on your sponsoring employer’s letterhead to the police department of the emirate where your residence visa was issued.
The letter should explain the loss of your passport and be accompanied by a photocopy of the employer’s license and establishment card.
In the case of family sponsorship, provide a letter signed by the sponsor and a photocopy of the sponsor’s passport.
Lost passport in Dubai?
If you lost your passport in Dubai, the procedure involves the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and Dubai Courts.
In this case follow the following steps:
Once you have the police report, get it stamped by the relevant UAE court, Public Prosecution, and GDRFA in the emirate where your visa was issued.
After obtaining the necessary endorsements, return the police report to the station where you filed it. They will issue a formal “lost passport certificate” in Arabic based on this report.
A view of the Dubai International Airport.
With the “lost passport certificate,” visit your embassy/consulate in the UAE to apply for a new passport. Ensure you meet all the requirements specified by your embassy or consulate.
Once your new passport is issued, you must go back to the GDRFA to have your residence visa stamped. Contact the relevant GDRFA office to inquire about the application process and fees.
The GDRFA will issue a residence visa with the same validity period as your old visa if it is still valid. If your visa expired while you were inside the UAE, they will issue a new one.
What to do if lost passport outside UAE
If you lose your passport outside the UAE, follow the steps required by your country to get a new passport issued.
Contact your passport issuing country’s embassy or consulate in the country where you lost your passport. They will guide you on the reporting process and requirements for obtaining a new passport.
If you hold a UAE residence visa and lose your passport outside the country, specific procedures apply. The UAE’s Embassy in London provides the following information:
Apply for a new entry permit to re-enter the UAE.
Contact the consular section of the UAE embassy in the country where your passport was lost for assistance.
Required documents for re-issuing a residence visa may include:
- A completed application form
- A copy of the old passport
- A copy of the new passport
- A copy of the UAE resident visa
- A copy of the Emirates ID card
- A passport-sized photo
- A letter from your sponsor confirming your position and place of work
- The lost/stolen report.
Summary:
Losing your passport in the UAE can be a daunting experience, but by following the appropriate steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to report the loss or theft to the police, inform your sponsor if applicable, and follow the specific procedures for your location. By doing so, you’ll be on your way to obtaining a new passport and re-stamping your residence visa, allowing you to continue your stay in the UAE hassle-free.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
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