UAE visa fraud alert: Indian embassy warns nationals against agencies promising jobs, residency

Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been warned against fraudulent visa and migration agencies allegedly collecting fees for overseas employment and residency services without delivering on their promises or refunding applicants. In an advisory dated October 12, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates said they had received complaints against agencies advertising third-country employment and residency visa services through social media. According to Khaleej Times, the missions cautioned Indians against relying solely on online advertisements or trusting private visa processing agencies, particularly those operating outside India. Such agencies allegedly collect money from applicants but fail to provide the promised services or return the fees. Verify visa details through official channels The missions urged Indian nationals seeking employment or residency opportunities abroad to check the credibility of visa processing agencies before making payments. Applicants were advised to verify visa requirements, application procedures and authorised channels directly with the embassy or consulate of the destination country in their country of residence. They were also asked to consult official government and embassy websites for accurate and updated information. The advisory stressed that no private agency can guarantee visa approval, as the final decision rests solely with the government issuing the visa. “Never pay any amount based on promises of visa approval,” the missions said, according to Khaleej Times, warning applicants against placing blind trust in private visa processing intermediaries. Earlier warning flagged misuse of personal data The latest advisory follows an August 24 warning by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi against unauthorised individuals offering assistance with visa regularisation, emergency certificates, exit permits, Emirates IDs and employment-related procedures. The earlier advisory cautioned that personal documents and biometric information shared with unauthorised individuals could be misused to obtain bank accounts, loans and credit cards without the victims’ knowledge. Indian nationals were advised not to share passport details, Emirates ID information or biometric data with unauthorised persons. Biometric information required for official procedures should be provided only at authorised UAE government facilities. The embassy also directed Indians seeking assistance to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra. The missions have urged Indian nationals in the UAE to verify immigration-related claims through official channels and exercise caution before paying agents or sharing sensitive personal information. [Image text:] VISA FRAUD PASSPORT