What should an expat do if their passport is lost or stolen in the UAE?

Follow 4 steps: 1) File a lost passport report on Dubai Police app or MOI UAE app (Fee: AED 50-100), 2) Obtain police certificate, 3) Apply for a new passport at your home country's embassy or consulate in UAE, and 4) Update your residence visa and Emirates ID details on the ICP or GDRFA Dubai portal.

How does a UAE citizen get an Emergency Return Document if their passport is lost abroad?

UAE citizens who lose their passport while traveling abroad can request an Emergency Certificate (Return Document) issued digitally within 30 minutes via the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) app or portal, allowing them to board a flight back to the UAE.

Is it legal for an employer in the UAE to hold my passport?

No. Holding an employee's passport against their will is strictly illegal under UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) and UAE Ministry of Interior directives. Employees can file a complaint with MoHRE or Police.

Home/Uae/Lost Stolen Passport Emergency Certificate Guide

Dubai Police & MoFA Emergency Protocol 2026

Lost or Stolen Passport & Emergency Guide

Official emergency protocol for lost or stolen passports in the UAE — Police report filing, embassy emergency travel documents, MoFA citizen return certificates, and updating ICP residence records.

Immediate Emergency Response

Losing a passport in the UAE requires immediate action through police reporting and embassy notification.

Select your category below to follow the exact legal resolution workflow.

Lost / Stolen Foreign Passport Protocol (For UAE Expatriate Residents)

Step 1: File Police Report

File Lost Passport Police Report immediately via Dubai Police App, MOI UAE App, or local Police Station

Step 2: Obtain Official Police Certificate

Obtain Official Lost Passport Certificate stamped by Public Prosecution & Courts (if required)

Step 3: Embassy Emergency Certificate

Contact Home Country Embassy / Consulate in UAE for Emergency Passport / New Passport issuance

Step 4: Update Visa & Emirates ID Records

Transfer UAE Residence Visa & Emirates ID records to new passport via ICP / GDRFA Dubai portal

Passport Holding Ban Warning

Strict Legal Rule: Employers holding employee original passports against their will violate UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). Victims can report employers to Dubai Police or file a MoHRE complaint (800 60).

Police Report Costs

👮 Dubai Police Certificate Fee: AED 50 (Mobile App)
👮 MOI Abu Dhabi / Northern Emirates Fee: AED 50
📜 Legal Translation / Attestation (if required): AED 100 – 200

Frequently Asked Questions

File a police report on Dubai Police or MOI app, get police certificate, apply for new passport at embassy, and update visa records on ICP/GDRFA.

UAE citizens request an Emergency Certificate digitally within 30 minutes via the MoFA app to board return flights.

No. Withholding an employee's passport is illegal under UAE Labor Law and Ministry of Interior directives.

🏢 UAE Foreign Embassy & Passport Renewal Directory →📘 UAE Citizen Passport Renewal Guide →

Dubai Police & MoFA Service

• Dubai Police Lost Certificate Portal: dubaipolice.gov.ae
• MoFA Emergency Return Certificate: mofa.gov.ae