UAE: Over 20,000 lost items reported in 2024; ID cards, passports most common
The Ministry of Interior in the United Arab Emirates revealed that a total of approximately 20,000 reports of lost items were submitted to police centers across the country in 2024. These reports were filed through the Ministry's smartphone application, official website, and via in-person visits to police stations.
According to the open data statistics published on the Ministry's website, identity cards and passports were the most commonly reported lost and found items. Other frequently reported items included gold jewelry, cash, foreign currency, wallets, personal bags, official documents, driving licenses, and bank cards.
To make the process more accessible, the Ministry offers the "Police Station in Your Phone" service. This is part of its ongoing efforts to digitize services and streamline police operations. The initiative allows users to file police reports and access a wide range of services from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical presence at police centers.
Through this service, users can easily interact with police departments, submit their cases, and track the progress of their requests, all from the comfort of their current location. This reflects the Ministry's broader vision of enhancing public safety and security through smart solutions and digital transformation.
In related guidance, the official portal of the UAE Government provided detailed steps for individuals who lose or damage their Emirates ID or passport:
Lost Emirates ID or Passport: What to Do
If an Emirates ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, individuals must report it immediately to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). The authority will deactivate the old card and issue a new one.
In the case of a lost passport, expatriates must ensure their residency visa is reissued. If the visa is still valid, it will be reattached to the new passport. If it has expired, a new visa with updated validity will be issued based on standard procedures.
For Expatriates Who Lose Their Passport
Report the loss. Visit the nearest police station where the passport was lost. Complete a dedicated passport loss report form. If the Lost Passport Belongs to a minor, the parent or guardian must file a police report.
If the Lost Passport Belongs to a Sponsored Employee
The employer must submit a letter to the police department in the relevant emirate. The letter should be on official company letterhead, and accompanied by copies of the trade license and company establishment card.
If the Lost Passport Belongs to a Family-Sponsored Individual
The sponsor must submit a signed letter along with a copy of their own passport.
In Dubai, the process is linked to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Dubai Courts.
Follow-up Steps After Police Report
Step 1: File a police report at the nearest station.
Step 2: Visit the courts, public prosecution, and the GDRFA in your emirate to certify the report.
Step 3: Return to the police station to receive the official loss certificate.
Step 4: Visit your country's embassy or consulate in the UAE to apply for a new passport.
Step 5: Once the new passport is issued, return to the GDRFA to reapply or transfer your residency visa.
If the Passport Is Lost Abroad
If the individual is in their home country, they must follow local procedures to report the lost passport and apply for a new one.
If the individual is in a third country, they should contact their embassy or consulate in that country for instructions on how to proceed.
This multi-step system is designed to ensure security, proper documentation, and verification at each stage, while making it as efficient as possible for residents and visitors in the UAE.
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