How to Report Lost Items in the UAE

Losing a passport, driver’s license, getting a car stolen — these things could happen to anyone. And as a foreigner living in another country, you may feel scared or even panic when you lose something very important. Fortunately, there’s a better way of responding to the situation.

If you lose something in the UAE, simply go to the nearest police station. They will try to recover it for you within 48 hours, as much as possible. In the case of lost identity cards and documents, they will also record it as “missing” to prevent others from misusing them.

Guide to Reporting Lost Items in the UAE

Your labour card, passport, driver’s license, cheques, documents, and even your car are some of the things that could get lost. Read on to know the requirements and procedures for reporting these lost items to the authorities in the UAE.

How to Report a Lost Labour Card

Requirements:

  • 2 passport size photos
  • Copy of lost labour card (if any)
  • Letter from the sponsor and copy of the sponsor’s passport (for expats who are sponsored by individuals)
  • Printed, stamped letter from the company and copies of the company’s Establishment Card and Trade License (for expats who are sponsored by their company)

Procedure:

  1. Go to the nearest police station.
  2. Submit the required documents and pay AED 20 as fee.
  3. If your labour card cannot be found after the investigation, you will be given a loss report. Use this to apply for a new labour card.

How to Report a Lost Passport

Requirements:

  • 2 passport size photos
  • Copy of lost passport (if any)
  • Letter from the sponsor and copy of the sponsor’s passport (for expats who are sponsored by individuals)
  • Printed, stamped letter from the company and copies of the company’s Establishment Card and Trade License (for expats who are sponsored by their company)

NOTE: If the lost passport belongs to a minor, he or she should be accompanied by the mother or father.

Procedure:

  1. Go to the police station that is nearest to where you lost your passport.
  2. Fill-out a special form and submit the required documents. You will be given a police report.
  3. Take the police report to the Dubai Courts for stamping and endorsement.
  4. Take the report to the Public Prosecution Department (beside Dubai Courts) for the same procedure.
  5. Take the report to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for endorsement. Pay AED 20 as fee.
  6. Return to the police station where you initially reported. They will give you a “lost passport” certificate, written in Arabic.
  7. Take the certificate to your embassy and follow their procedure for getting a new passport.
  8. When you have a new passport, return to the GDRFA to get a new visa.

How to Report a Lost Driver’s License, Plate, Personal ID, Cheque, or Other Documents

Requirements:

  • Letter reporting your loss
  • Photocopy of your passport

NOTE: For lost cheques, include a letter from the cheque issuer and a photocopy of the cheque issuer’s passport. In your loss report, try to indicate the cheque number, amount, date issued, date due, name of issuer, and name of beneficiary.

Procedure:

  1. Write a loss report and address it to the Department of Investigation.
  2. Submit the report with the required documents. Pay AED 20 as fee.
  3. You will be given a report about the investigation within two days.

How to Report a Lost or Stolen Car

Requirements:

  • Letter of complaint reporting your loss
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Photocopy of the car registration card
  • Photocopy of sale deed (if any)

Procedure:

  1. Write a letter of complaint discussing your loss and address it to the General Department Head of Administrative Affairs.
  2. Once your report is approved by the Head of Administrative Affairs, you will receive a copy of the car search report. You can submit this to your insurance company.
  3. If your car is found, you will be notified.

As you can see, authorities in the UAE have systems in place for reporting, investigating, and recovering your lost items. In any case, the sooner you report your loss, the better. This way, there will be a higher chance of finding and recovering your lost item.

Information source: dubai.ae