§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they provide assistance or redress for foreign nationals in the event that their passports have been lost or mislaid by the Home Office; and, if so, of what sort. [HL1768]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)Where the Immigration and Nationality Directorate accepts liability for the loss of a foreign national's or British citizen's passport, the person concerned is provided with a letter confirming the loss. This can be presented to the relevant Embassy or High Commission in the United Kingdom or the United Kingdom Passport Agency, to assist in obtaining a replacement document. Advice is also given about making a claim for compensation.
The directorate offers ex-gratia payments for the cost of a replacement passport and any other reasonable expenses associated with obtaining the replacement document, including any expenses or losses occasioned by the individual being unable to travel as planned. A claim for redress must be supported by appropriate documentary evidence, eg. receipts, to show that the costs were reasonable and had been necessarily incurred.