• Source:JND
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Following viral reports on Indian social media platforms about a supposed "lifetime Golden Visa" scheme for Indian citizens, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a firm denial, calling the claims baseless and misleading. The country’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) clarified that there is no such initiative and warned of legal action against entities spreading false information.

The confusion began when a consultancy named Rayad Group claimed it had been selected by UAE authorities to pilot a “nomination-based Golden Visa” in India. According to their statement, Indian nationals could secure lifetime residency in the UAE by paying AED 100,000, roughly Rs23.3 lakh. The claim quickly went viral, triggering excitement among Indian expatriates and aspirants eager to settle in the Gulf nation.

The ICP swiftly responded with an official statement rejecting the claim. “Legal action will be taken against entities spreading such false information in an attempt to illegally collect money from individuals aspiring to live and reside in the UAE, exploiting their hopes for a dignified and secure life,” the authority stated.

'No Legal Basis'

According to the ICP, the information was shared without any coordination or approval from UAE authorities. “These claims have no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities,” it emphasised. The authority further noted that some consultancy offices based outside the UAE were falsely advertising the possibility of obtaining Golden Visas for all categories under “simplified conditions.”

The spread of such misleading reports is especially concerning in light of the increasing popularity of the UAE’s Golden Visa among Indian citizens. The long-term residency program, introduced in 2019, has attracted thousands of investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-performing students. However, the UAE government maintains that all Golden Visa applications must strictly adhere to established eligibility criteria and be processed through official channels.

A top Dubai-based Golden Visa consultant also confirmed to The Economic Times that there has been no change in the official visa policies and that authorities were unaware of any such lifetime visa scheme being piloted.

The UAE has made it clear that no shortcuts or unauthorised pathways to residency will be tolerated. By dispelling these rumours, the government seeks to protect hopeful applicants from exploitation and to preserve the integrity of its immigration system.