Tim Elliott
Welcome to Lawgical, the first regular podcast navigating legal processes in the UAE. I’m Tim Elliott, and I’m here with the managing partner of the Dubai-based legal firm, HPL Yamalova & Plewka. Ludmila Yamalova is our expert. I’m looking forward to talking to you again, Ludmila.
Ludmila Yamalova
Tim, thank you for being here. Always a pleasure to be chatting with you.
Tim Elliott
In this episode, we’re talking about how to report a missing person in Dubai. Now, if you ever find yourself in what is an incredibly difficult situation, knowing the proper steps can really make all the difference. And Ludmila, there is a set procedure here in Dubai to report a missing person, isn’t there?
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, indeed. There is a set procedure, and it’s important to raise awareness about what this procedure is. Believe it or not, we’ve dealt with many cases related to missing persons, and while it may seem basic, it actually isn’t for a lot of people.
Tim Elliott
What are the requirements, first of all, for reporting a person as missing?
Ludmila Yamalova
Well, first of all, the purpose of the service is to help family or friends locate their missing person. It’s a free service through the Dubai Police, allowing you to communicate with them to report a missing person. This ensures that necessary actions are taken promptly to locate the missing individual.
The basic requirements include visiting a police station and submitting certain documents. These typically include a passport copy or Emirates ID of the missing person. Sometimes, the police may ask for additional documents or evidence, such as personal belongings of the missing person like used clothes or a toothbrush.
Another critical requirement is that the missing person must have been gone for at least 48 hours before the report can be lodged. After that, once you approach the police station with the necessary documents, they open the case right away.
The person reporting the case must have some relationship with the missing individual, such as being a relative, friend, roommate, or even a legal counsel.
Tim Elliott
So, this is a free service. What is the actual process of reporting a missing person?
Ludmila Yamalova
The first step is to go to the police station in the area where the missing person resides. For example, if the missing person lives in Al Barsha, you should report to the Al Barsha police station.
If you’re unsure about which station to go to, you can call the Dubai Police general number, 999, and they will guide you based on the information you provide.
Tim Elliott
How long does it take to submit a missing person’s report?
Ludmila Yamalova
If you have the relevant documents ready, the process is straightforward. As I mentioned earlier, the basic documents include identification documents of the missing person. Depending on the circumstances, the police may ask for additional items like personal belongings, proof of your relationship with the person, or contact details for the missing person’s family or guardians.
Once you meet these requirements and visit the police station after the initial 48-hour window, the police accept the report on the spot. They log the details into their system and give you a case number or reference number, which you can use to track the case status.
The police also record the contact details of the person reporting the missing individual to ensure proper communication.
Tim Elliott
How common are queries like this? You don’t hear a great deal of cases like this in the UAE, I guess, but it does happen, doesn’t it?
Ludmila Yamalova
People do go missing. It happens more often than you might think, even in a safe country like the UAE.
For instance, we recently had a case where a person went missing, and their roommates didn’t know what to do or where to turn. While the UAE is generally very safe, reports of missing persons do occur, making it essential to have a clear and efficient process in place.
In our practice, we’ve seen numerous cases like this. It’s why we felt it important to share this information—to give people a roadmap for navigating such situations.
Tim Elliott
Have you got examples of missing persons cases in Dubai?
Ludmila Yamalova
Certainly. In my practice, we’ve seen a range of cases. For example:
- Tourists might get lost while exploring the city and fail to return to their accommodation.
- Residents may go missing due to personal reasons, misunderstandings, or family disputes.
- Children might wander away from their guardians in public areas or during school-related disagreements.
- Individuals experiencing mental health episodes may disappear without notice. For instance, in one case, a person was taken to a mental institution after being found in distress.
- In some instances, people go missing following a police or CID raid, often involving complex situations such as being mistakenly taken into custody.
Each case is unique, but the Dubai Police has a system in place to efficiently address these situations.
Tim Elliott
How can family members from abroad find out where missing relatives might be?
Ludmila Yamalova
For families abroad, there are a few options:
- Contact Dubai Police: Call 999 to report the missing person. However, families may face challenges such as language barriers or lack of proper documents like an Emirates ID.
- Embassies or Consulates: These are excellent starting points, especially if the situation involves serious concerns.
- Local Contacts: Coordinate with friends or relatives in the UAE who can assist on the ground.
- Hire a Local Advocate: A local lawyer can communicate with authorities on your behalf, gather information, and even represent the missing person if necessary.
Each method depends on the specific circumstances, but these are effective ways to start the process.
Tim Elliott
This is all so interesting. Let’s wrap up. What would you say in conclusion?
Ludmila Yamalova
Knowing how to report a missing person is crucial for ensuring timely action by the authorities. The service provided by the Dubai Police is efficient, straightforward, and free.
The system is designed to help families and friends navigate such challenging situations with clarity and support. From my experience, it’s reassuring to see how effectively the police can assist in these cases.
Tim Elliott
That concludes this episode of Lawgical—reporting a missing person in Dubai. Thanks for listening or watching, if you’re joining us on YouTube. Special thanks, as always, to our legal expert, Ludmila Yamalova, managing partner at HPL Yamalova & Plewka.
Ludmila Yamalova
Thank you, Tim. Always a pleasure to speak with you.
Tim Elliott
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