Lost Indian Passport in Dubai: Essential Steps for Police Report & New Passport Application

Losing your passport in a foreign country can be a stressful experience, but don't panic. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get a police report in Dubai and then apply for a new Indian passport, clarifying what "police clearance" means in this context. It's a structured process, and following it carefully will help you navigate it smoothly.

Understanding "Police Clearance" for a Lost Passport

When it comes to a lost passport in Dubai, what you primarily need from the local authorities isn't a "Police Clearance Certificate" (PCC) in the usual sense (which confirms you have no criminal record). Instead, you need a Lost Item Certificate or Police Report from Dubai Police, officially stating that your passport has been lost. This crucial document is then a mandatory requirement for applying for a new passport at the Indian Consulate General in Dubai. The Indian Consulate, as part of the new passport application process, will then initiate a police verification back in India to confirm your identity and address.

So, the process involves two main stages:

1. Reporting the loss to Dubai Police and obtaining their official report.
2. Applying for a new passport at the Indian Consulate General, Dubai, where the internal police verification from India will be initiated.

Let's break down the steps.

Prerequisites & What You'll Need

Before you start, gather any available documents. Having these ready will significantly speed up the process:

• Emirates ID: Original and a copy. This is your primary identification in the UAE.
• UAE Visa Page: A copy of your current residency visa.
• Lost Passport Copy: If you have a photocopy of your lost passport (especially the data page), this is extremely helpful. It contains your passport number, date of issue, and expiry.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Usually, 2-4 photos are required, adhering to Indian passport photo specifications (white background, 2x2 inches).
• Proof of Address in India: A copy of your Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bill from your Indian address.
• Proof of Stay in Dubai: Tenancy contract, utility bills, or a letter from your employer.
• Letter from Employer/Sponsor (Optional but Recommended): Stating your employment details and confirming your passport was lost.

Step 1: Report the Loss to Dubai Police

This is your immediate first step. Do not delay reporting the loss.

1. Visit a Dubai Police Station or Use Their Online Service:

   • In Person: Go to the nearest or most convenient Dubai Police station. Inform them that you need to report a lost Indian passport. You will be directed to the relevant department.
   • Online (Recommended for convenience): Dubai Police offers an online service to report lost items. Visit the official Dubai Police website (search for "Dubai Police lost and found"). You'll need to create an account or log in.

2. Provide Details of the Loss:

   • You will be asked for details about how and where you lost your passport. Be as accurate as possible.
   • Provide your personal details, Emirates ID number, and if possible, your lost passport number.

3. Receive the Lost Item Certificate/Police Report:

   • Once your report is processed, Dubai Police will issue a Lost Item Certificate or Police Report. This document is crucial.
   • Cost: There is typically a fee for issuing this report. Expect it to be around AED 70 - AED 120, but confirm the exact amount at the time of reporting.
   • Timeframe: If done in person, you might receive it within an hour or two. Online applications might take a bit longer for processing and digital delivery.

   Practical Tip: Request a police report specifically for applying for a new passport. Ensure all your details (name, Emirates ID number) are correctly mentioned on the report. Make several photocopies of this report.

Step 2: Apply for a New Passport at the Indian Consulate General, Dubai

Once you have the Dubai Police Report, your next step is to apply for a new passport at the Indian Consulate General (CGI) in Dubai, which processes applications through BLS International Services.

1. Fill Out the Online Application Form:

   • Visit the official website for Indian passport services (search for "Indian Passport Seva Portal").
   • Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport."
   • Choose the "Lost/Damaged Passport" option.
   • Fill out the application form meticulously. Be extremely careful with all details, especially your personal information, address, and the circumstances of the loss.
   • After filling, save and print the application form. You will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN).

2. Gather Required Documents for BLS:

   • Printed online application form with ARN.
   • Original Dubai Police Lost Item Certificate/Report and a photocopy.
   • Original Emirates ID and a photocopy.
   • Original UAE visa page and a photocopy.
   • Photocopies of your lost passport (if available).
   • Proof of Indian address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.).
   • Proof of residence in Dubai (tenancy contract, utility bill, employer letter).
   • Annexure F: This is a mandatory affidavit for lost/damaged passports. You can usually download the format from the BLS International Services website or the CGI Dubai website. It needs to be filled, signed, and sometimes attested by a notary or designated official at BLS.
   • Photographs: 4-6 recent passport-sized photos (2x2 inches, white background).
   • Any other documents requested by BLS or CGI based on your specific case.

3. Book an Appointment with BLS International Services:

   • Visit the official BLS International Services website for Dubai (search for "BLS International Dubai Indian Passport").
   • Book an appointment for "Passport Services - Lost/Damaged Passport."
   • Important: Some BLS centers may have walk-in options for urgent cases, but it's always best to check their website or call them first.

4. Submit Your Application at BLS:

   • Attend your appointment at the chosen BLS center.
   • Present all your original documents and their photocopies. The BLS staff will verify them.
   • Pay the applicable fees. The fee for a new passport due to loss is typically higher than a regular re-issue. Expect it to be around AED 600 - AED 800 for a 36-page passport, plus BLS service charges. Confirm current fees on the BLS website.
   • You will receive an acknowledgment receipt with a tracking number.

   What about the "Police Verification" from India? At this stage, after you submit your application to BLS/CGI Dubai, the Consulate will initiate the necessary police verification process with your address in India. This is an internal process and can take time, sometimes several weeks, as it depends on the efficiency of the local police in India. Your new passport will only be issued after a clear police verification report is received by the Consulate.

Step 3: Follow-up and Collection

1. Track Your Application:
   • Use the tracking number provided by BLS to check the status of your application online via the BLS website or the Indian Passport Seva Portal.
   • The status updates will tell you if your application is under process, awaiting police verification, or ready for dispatch.
2. Collection:
   • Once your new passport is ready, you will usually receive an SMS or email notification.
   • You can collect your new passport from the BLS center where you submitted your application, usually by presenting your original acknowledgment receipt and Emirates ID.

Important Considerations & Tips

• Act Quickly: Report the loss to Dubai Police immediately. Delays can complicate matters.
• Keep Copies: Always keep photocopies or digital scans of all your documents, especially your passport, visa, and Emirates ID.
• Inform Your Employer/Sponsor: Inform your employer or sponsor about the lost passport, as they may need to provide supporting letters or guidance.
• Exit/Re-entry: If you plan to travel out of the UAE soon, be aware that getting a new passport can take time. An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) can be issued by the Indian Consulate for one-way travel to India in genuine emergencies, but this is not a substitute for a passport and requires separate application.
• Be Patient: The process, especially the police verification from India, can take time. Standard processing for a lost passport can range from 3-6 weeks or even longer, depending on individual circumstances and the speed of verification in India.
• Tatkal/Urgent Service: While Tatkal (urgent) service exists for passport re-issue, it may not always be available or straightforward for lost passport cases, especially if police verification from India is pending. Inquire with BLS directly.

Common Questions (FAQs)

• What if I don't have a copy of my lost passport? It makes the process slightly longer, but it's not a deal-breaker. You'll need to provide as much detail as possible (like issue date, place of issue if you remember) and rely on your Emirates ID and other proofs of identity. The Consulate can usually find your details in their database.
• Can someone else report the loss to Dubai Police for me? No, the loss of a personal document like a passport must be reported by the individual whose passport was lost.
• How long does the entire process take? From reporting to Dubai Police to receiving your new passport, it typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, sometimes more, largely due to the police verification time in India.
• What if my UAE visa is expiring soon? This is critical. You need a valid passport to renew your UAE visa. If your visa is expiring, you must expedite the passport application as much as possible and communicate with your employer/sponsor and the relevant UAE immigration authorities. You might need a temporary visa extension while your passport is being processed.
• Is there a fine for losing my passport? Dubai Police typically does not impose a fine for a lost passport itself, only a fee for the police report. However, the Indian Consulate charges a higher fee for issuing a new passport in lieu of a lost one compared to a normal re-issue.

Losing your passport is a hassle, but by following these steps, you can navigate the process effectively and get a new Indian passport in Dubai. Stay organized, keep copies, and be patient.