Lost Passport Abroad? Here's What Indian Expats Must Do (and What NOT to Do)

Every year, thousands of Indian expats face passport emergencies — lost, stolen, or damaged — while traveling outside Saudi Arabia. The process can be confusing, stressful, and expensive if you don’t know the exact steps. Here is the complete guide, including the Absher complaint workflow that most Indians don’t know about.

What to do IMMEDIATELY (within 24 hours)

Step 1: File a police report

If your passport is lost or stolen:

• In Saudi Arabia: Visit the nearest police station (شرطة) and file a report. You will receive a police report number — keep this safe.
• Abroad: File a report with the local police in the country where you lost it. Get a copy of the report.

Step 2: Report on Absher (if in Saudi Arabia)

If you lost your passport while still in Saudi Arabia:

1. Login to Absher
2. Go to “My Services” → “Passports” → “Report Lost Passport”
3. Complete the online report
4. You will receive a reference number

Important: After filing on Absher, you can follow up by contacting @CareAljawazat on Twitter. As @CareAljawazat confirmed: “You will receive an SMS on your registered phone number once your request is processed.” (Source)

Step 3: Contact the Indian Embassy

Whether in Saudi Arabia or abroad:

• Indian Embassy Riyadh: +966 11 488 4822
• Indian Consulate Jeddah: +966 12 666 0044
• Indian Embassy abroad: Contact the nearest Indian mission

You will need to apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) or temporary passport to return to India.

The Absher complaint workflow (what most Indians miss)

A real case from Twitter: A user filed a lost passport report on Absher and waited over a month with no response. (Source)

Here is how to follow up:

1. File the report on Absher — get your reference number
2. Wait 7-10 business days — processing takes time
3. If no response after 10 days, contact @CareAljawazat on Twitter with your reference number
4. @Absher will redirect you to @CareAljawazat for status updates (Source)
5. @CareAljawazat will update you via SMS on your registered phone (Source)

Tip: Don’t just wait. Follow up actively through Twitter — it’s faster than calling.

What documents do you need?

For Indian Embassy (Emergency Certificate)

• Police report (from Saudi or foreign police)
• Passport copy (if you have one)
• Iqama copy
• Two passport-size photographs
• Birth certificate or school certificate (for identity verification)
• Application form (available at the embassy)

For Absher report

• Your Absher account credentials
• Iqama number
• Details of when/where passport was lost
• Any supporting documents

What NOT to do

• ❌ Don’t panic — the process is straightforward if you follow steps
• ❌ Don’t travel without reporting — traveling on a lost passport is illegal
• ❌ Don’t ignore the Absher report — it protects you from misuse of your passport
• ❌ Don’t delay contacting the embassy — Emergency Certificates take 2-5 working days
• ❌ Don’t forget to update Absher after getting new passport — via Naqal Maloomat service

Cost of replacement

Tip: If you have travel insurance, you may be able to claim the cost of the Emergency Certificate and additional travel expenses. Open an account with SNB Neo to manage emergency funds and track expenses during this stressful time.

Related guides

• Passport Validity Rules: 3 Months vs 6 Months
• Indian Passport Renewal in Saudi Arabia
• Absher Complete Guide
• Emergency Certificate — Saudi Arabia
• Check Huroob Status

References

1. @AljawazatKSA — Lost passport report procedure — Twitter (July 2026)
2. @CareAljawazat — SMS notification for passport report — Twitter (July 2026)
3. @Absher — Redirect to @CareAljawazat for status — Twitter (July 2026)
4. Indian Embassy Riyadh — Emergency Certificate procedures

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Passport replacement procedures may change. Always verify with the Indian Embassy and Jawazat before acting.