How to Get an Affidavit for Lost Indian Passport Declaration in UAE: A Practical Guide

Losing your passport in a foreign country can feel like a nightmare, but don't panic. If you're an Indian national in the UAE and your passport has gone missing, getting an affidavit for its declaration is a crucial first step toward getting a new one. This guide will walk you through the process, making it as clear and straightforward as possible, just like I'm explaining it to a friend who needs help.

What is This Affidavit and Why Do You Need It?

Simply put, an affidavit for a lost passport declaration is a sworn statement you make, confirming that your Indian passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged. You'll sign this document, and it will be attested by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the UAE.

Why is it so important? This document is a mandatory requirement when you apply for a new passport (or an Emergency Certificate) to replace the lost one. It serves as official proof of your declaration and is a key part of the application process. Without it, you cannot proceed with getting a replacement passport.

Essential Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before you even think about visiting an office, make sure you have these documents and steps completed. Gathering everything beforehand will save you a lot of time and potential frustration.

1. Police Report (FIR): This is the absolute first and most critical step. As soon as you realize your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it to the local police immediately.

   • Visit the nearest police station in the emirate where you lost your passport.
   • File a report detailing the loss. You will receive an official Police Report (FIR).
   • Crucial Tip: Ensure the police report includes your passport number (if you remember it) and your name exactly as it appears on your passport. If you don't remember the passport number, provide as much detail as possible.

2. Copy of Lost Passport: If you have a photocopy or a digital image of your lost passport, especially the data pages and visa page, this will be immensely helpful. If not, don't worry, but try to recall your passport number.

3. Copy of UAE Visa/Residency Permit: A clear copy of your valid UAE residence visa or permit.

4. Emirates ID: Your original Emirates ID and a photocopy.

5. Passport-sized Photographs: Usually 2-4 recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. Check the latest specifications on the BLS website (link below) for exact requirements.

6. Application Form: You'll need to fill out a specific application form for "Miscellaneous Services" (which covers affidavits). This is usually available on the BLS International website. Download and fill it out accurately.

7. Proof of Address in UAE: A copy of your tenancy contract, utility bill, or any other document showing your current address in the UAE.

8. Declaration Form for Lost Passport: This is a specific form detailing the circumstances of your passport loss. You'll usually find this on the BLS website as well.

9. Originals for Verification: Always carry all your original documents for verification, even if you're submitting photocopies.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain the Affidavit

Once you have all your documents ready, here’s how to proceed:

Step 1: Online Application & Form Filling

1. Visit the BLS Website: Go to the official website of BLS International, the outsourced service provider for Indian passport and consular services in the UAE.
2. Navigate to Consular Services: Look for "Consular Services" or "Attestation Services."
3. Find "Affidavit for Lost Passport": Locate the specific service for "Affidavit for Lost Passport Declaration" under miscellaneous services.
4. Download Forms: Download the "Miscellaneous Services Application Form" and the "Lost Passport Declaration Form."
5. Fill Forms Accurately: Fill out all forms completely and accurately. Ensure your signature matches your previous passport or Emirates ID. Do not leave any fields blank.

Step 2: Document Arrangement

Organize all your collected documents in the order specified on the BLS checklist (usually available on their website). This makes the submission process much smoother for both you and the staff.

Step 3: Visit the BLS Center

BLS International handles the initial submission and processing for the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi (for those residing in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain) and the Consulate General of India, Dubai (for those residing in Dubai and the Northern Emirates).

1. Book an Appointment (if required): Check the BLS website if an appointment is mandatory for attestation services. It's always a good idea to book one to avoid long queues.
2. Visit the Relevant BLS Center: Go to the BLS center that serves your emirate of residence.
3. Submit Documents: Present your complete set of documents to the BLS counter. The staff will verify your originals and collect the photocopies.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable fees for the affidavit attestation. Fees are subject to change, so always check the latest rates on the BLS website. You can usually pay by cash or card.
5. Get Receipt: You will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt safe!

Step 4: Attestation and Collection

1. Processing Time: The processing time for the affidavit can vary, but it's generally a few working days. BLS will forward your documents to the Embassy/Consulate for attestation.
2. Track Your Application: Use the tracking number on your receipt to check the status of your application online via the BLS website.
3. Collection: Once your affidavit is ready, you will be notified (usually by SMS or online status update) to collect it from the same BLS center where you submitted your application. Bring your original receipt and Emirates ID for collection.

Where to Go: BLS, Embassy, or Consulate?

For almost all passport and consular services, including the affidavit for a lost passport, you will interact with BLS International. They are the outsourced service provider appointed by the Indian government.

• If you live in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, your application will be processed through the BLS centers under the jurisdiction of the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
• If you live in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah (the Northern Emirates), your application will be processed through the BLS centers under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, Dubai.

Always start with the BLS International website for forms, checklists, and center locations.

Fees and Processing Time

• Fees: There will be a consular fee for the affidavit service, plus a service charge for BLS International. Expect the total cost to be in the range of AED 50-100, but confirm the exact amount on the BLS website before your visit.
• Processing Time: Typically, the attested affidavit is ready for collection within 3-5 working days after submission. Urgent requests (Tatkal) for the new passport might be faster after you have the affidavit, but the affidavit itself usually follows standard processing.

Important Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Double-Check Everything: Before you leave home, go through the BLS checklist one last time. Missing even a single document can lead to rejection and delays.
• Photocopies: Ensure all photocopies are clear and legible.
• Arrive Early: BLS centers can get very busy. Arriving early can help you avoid long waiting times.
• Keep Copies: Make extra copies of all documents, including the police report and the attested affidavit, for your personal records.
• Be Patient and Polite: The staff are there to help, but they handle a large volume of applications.
• Lost Visa/Emirates ID Too? If your visa or Emirates ID was also lost along with your passport, you'll need to follow the respective procedures to obtain a duplicate or report their loss before applying for the passport affidavit. This can complicate the process, so be prepared for additional steps.
• What if I don't have a copy of my lost passport? Provide as much detail as you can (passport number, date of issue, place of issue) from memory or any other documents you might have. You might be asked to provide additional proof of identity.

What Happens After Getting the Affidavit? (Your Next Steps)

Once you have your attested affidavit for the lost passport declaration, you are now ready to apply for a new Indian passport.

1. Online Passport Application: You will need to fill out a new passport application online via the Indian Passport Seva portal. Select "Re-issue of Passport" and "Lost Passport."
2. Gather New Passport Documents: This will include your attested affidavit, police report, Emirates ID, new photos, and other supporting documents as required for a passport re-issue.
3. Book BLS Appointment: Book an appointment at a BLS center for your new passport application submission.
4. Submit Application: Submit all documents and pay the fees for your new passport. The fees for a lost passport replacement are generally higher than a regular re-issue.
5. Passport Collection: Your new passport will be delivered to you (or can be collected) once processed.

This entire process, from reporting the loss to receiving a new passport, can take several weeks, so it's best to start immediately.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Can I apply for the affidavit without a police report? A: No. The police report (FIR) is a mandatory document. The Embassy/Consulate will not attest the affidavit without it.

Q: How long is the attested affidavit valid? A: While the affidavit itself doesn't expire in terms of its declaration, it's intended for immediate use in applying for a new passport. It's best to apply for your new passport as soon as you have the attested affidavit.

Q: What if I need to travel urgently? A: After obtaining the affidavit, you can apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) if you need to travel back to India urgently and cannot wait for a full passport re-issue. The EC is a one-way travel document to India. Alternatively, you can apply for a Tatkal (urgent) passport service after getting the affidavit, which has faster processing but higher fees.

Q: Do I need to physically go to the Embassy or Consulate? A: For the affidavit attestation and passport application, you will primarily interact with BLS International centers. The actual attestation is done by the Embassy/Consulate, but BLS acts as the front office.

Losing a passport is undoubtedly stressful, but by following these steps methodically and preparing thoroughly, you can navigate the process efficiently. Stay calm, gather your documents, and you'll have your affairs in order in no time.