The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially dismissed widespread rumours claiming that Indian citizens are eligible for a lifetime Golden Visa. In a statement released by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), authorities confirmed that no such visa category exists for "certain nationalities," contrary to reports circulating in foreign media.
The clarification, published via the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) and reaffirmed on the ICP’s verified Instagram account, stressed that all Golden Visa applications must be made exclusively through official UAE government portals. The ICP further clarified, “The application process is managed solely by UAE government entities, and no internal or external consultancy is authorised to process Golden Visa requests.”
The rebuttal comes in response to media reports earlier this week, which falsely claimed that citizens of India and Bangladesh could secure a lifetime UAE Golden Visa by paying a fee of AED 100,000 (approximately Rs 23.3 lakh). The misinformation was spread by these reports, which referenced anonymous people who were referred to as 'beneficiaries' or process intermediaries. The ICP vehemently denounced the fraudulent claims and issued a warning that anyone or any organisation trying to deceive the public or obtain funds through fraudulent means will face severe legal consequences.
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Investors, business owners, highly qualified professionals, and people with extraordinary talent can all apply for long-term residency through the UAE's Golden Visa programme. The ICP did, however, restate that no nationality is currently eligible for a lifetime Golden Visa. The statement is a direct warning to the public to stay alert and knowledgeable and to avoid falling for scams that make exaggerated claims of immigration benefits.
Authorities have urged all residents and prospective applicants to avoid relying on unauthorised agents or intermediaries. Instead, they are advised to verify all visa-related information directly through the UAE government’s official portal at www.icp.gov.ae or by contacting the official helpline at 600522222.
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