The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has emphatically dismissed media reports that some nationalities are eligible to apply for "lifetime" Golden Visas through consultancy companies based abroad on eased terms. The ICP issued a statement confirming that the reports were unfounded and have "no legal basis.
The clarification followed widespread reports, including one by PTI on July 6, that the UAE had rolled out a new Golden Visa scheme, starting with India and Bangladesh, and that Rayad Group, Dubai-based, has been authorized to oversee a "nomination-based" application process in India. The reports also mentioned a one-time AED 100,000 (about ₹23.3 lakh) fee for gaining lifetime UAE residency.
It responded by saying that the Rayad Group subsequently apologized for public misunderstanding, admitting that a mention of a fixed-fee and lifetime visa was misleading. The company explained its position in a statement:
"The Rayad Group confirms recent media reports and public debate on an alleged nomination-based UAE Golden Visa programme, including allusions to a fixed Dh 100,000 fee and an alleged 'lifetime visa' plan."
It also conveyed apology: "We fully own up to ensuring that future communications are accurate, clear, and within the UAE's strict regulatory environments."
The ICP clarified that Golden Visa applications should only be submitted on official government platforms within the UAE, and no outside consultancy, either local or international, has been cleared to conduct these applications. The authority explained:
The Authority had recently noticed news reports from another country's consultancy office that implied lifetime Golden Visas were available for all classes from abroad through consulting or commercial organizations under easy terms. These are claims that lack the force of law.
Supporting its position, the ICP emphasized that the qualifications, types, and procedural rules regarding Golden Visas are strictly under UAE law and ministerial resolutions, and any variation or participation by third parties outside official sources is unauthorized.
The authority also placed a warning on the public, cautioning possible applicants from falling prey to unauthorized persons or parties offering streamlined Golden Visa processes or permanent residence in return for vast amounts of money.
"Legal action will be taken against those who are disseminating false news and taking advantage of people's dreams to live in the UAE by illegally collecting money," the ICP asserted, again reminding that any inquiries or applications should come through its official website or 24/7 call center at 600522222.
In its own explanation, the Rayad Group admitted that comments made by its Managing Director had given rise to misunderstandings regarding the group's role and services.
"These words failed to properly represent our intention, our scope of business, or the reach of our authority regarding the UAE Golden Visa program," the statement stated.
"To make it clear once again: no guaranteed visa, fixed-fee program, or lifetime UAE residency product is in existence now, and the Rayad Group does not provide, promote, engage in, or sponsor any such arrangement."
Due to the controversy, the Rayad Group said it would cease its private advisory services on Golden Visas.
Earlier, Rayad Group's Managing Director Rayad Kamal Ayub had called the initiative a "golden opportunity" for Indian citizens to obtain UAE residency, which is now debunked by the ICP.
The group concluded by reiterating that all decisions regarding visas fall solely in the jurisdiction of UAE government authorities, and that its earlier role was confined to private advisory services within legal parameters.
Read also| Trump Claimed He Threatened to 'Bomb Moscow' in Warning to Putin Over Ukraine Invasion
Read also| Texas Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises to 109, Over 160 Still Missing
