Losing a passport, especially one containing a valid UAE residence visa, can be stressful. This article outlines the steps Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE should take if they lose their passport.
Reporting the Loss
The first step is to report the loss to the local police station in the emirate where the loss occurred. This police report is crucial for subsequent procedures.
Specific Requirements for the Police Report
Depending on the sponsorship type, additional documents may be required:
- Employer Sponsorship: A letter in Arabic from the sponsoring employer on company letterhead, addressed to the relevant emirate’s police department, stating the loss. A copy of the sponsor’s trade license and establishment card is also needed.
- Family Sponsorship: A letter signed by the sponsor and a photocopy of the sponsor’s passport.
- Minor: The sponsoring parent must be present to endorse the report.
Applying for a New Pakistani Passport
After obtaining the police report, the next step is to apply for a new passport at the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in the UAE. You will need the police report and other required documents for the passport application process. Contact the embassy or consulate directly for the most up-to-date list of required documents.
Re-stamping the UAE Residence Visa
Once you receive your new passport, you must get your UAE residence visa re-stamped onto it. This involves visiting the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where your visa was issued. There will be a fee associated with this process.
Dubai-Specific Procedures
In Dubai, the process involves additional steps:
- File the police report and obtain stamps from the relevant UAE court, Public Prosecution, and GDRFA.
- Return the endorsed police report to the police station to receive a formal “lost passport certificate” in Arabic.
- Use this certificate to apply for a new passport at the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai.
- After receiving the new passport, return to the GDRFA in Dubai to get the residence visa re-stamped.
Summary of Steps
| Step | Action | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Report the Loss | File a police report. | Local police station in the emirate where the loss occurred. |
| 2. Apply for New Passport | Submit application with required documents and police report. | Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in the UAE. |
| 3. Re-stamp Residence Visa | Submit new passport for visa re-stamping. | GDRFA in the emirate where the visa was issued. |
| 4. Dubai-Specific Endorsements (if applicable) | Obtain stamps from UAE court, Public Prosecution, and GDRFA before receiving certificate. | Various locations including police station, UAE court, Public Prosecution and GDRFA in Dubai. |
Required Documents (General)
While specific document requirements may vary, generally you will need:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Police Report | Proof of reported loss. |
| Passport Application Form | Application for a new passport. |
| Photographs | Passport-sized photographs. |
| Copy of Lost Passport (if available) | Helps expedite the process. |
| Emirates ID copy | For identification purposes. |
| Sponsor Letter (if applicable) | Supporting documentation for sponsored individuals. |
| Sponsor’s Trade License/Establishment Card (if applicable) | Supporting documentation for employer-sponsored individuals. |
It is strongly advised to contact the Pakistani Embassy/Consulate and the relevant GDRFA office for the most current and detailed information regarding required documents and fees. This will ensure a smoother and more efficient process.