Photo used for illustrative purpose.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) affirmed that a UAE citizen can electronically apply to obtain a return document in case the passport is lost, damaged, or expired while performing Umrah.

The MoFAIC indicated that the electronic return document service issues the document in less than 30 minutes, according to high security standards and in accordance with the highest quality standards.

It explained that the service can be obtained through 3 steps starting with logging in with the digital identity, then applying for the service electronically, attaching the required documents, and finally receiving the electronic return document via email. The steps can be completed through the UAEMOFAIC mobile application or via the website of the Ministry - Department of Individual Services - Issuance of a return document, the ministry noted.

According to the Ministry, in order to obtain the service in case of losing the passport, the applicant must attach a copy of the lost passport, a copy of the losing report, and a recent personal photo.

In the event the passport is expired, the applicant must attach a copy of the expired passport and a personal photo, and in case the passport is damaged, the applicant must attach a copy of the damaged passport.

In all cases, the application must fill out the forms correctly and attach all required documents with a personal photo. Some applications may require approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), the ministry indicated.