UAE denies rumors of granting lifetime golden visas to certain nationalities

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied Indian media reports about granting lifetime golden visas to certain nationalities.

The UAE’s official news agency, WAM, has denied media reports that claimed a “new nomination-based golden visa scheme” had been launched.

The golden visa is a long-term residency visa that allows talented foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE and comes with a number of special benefits.

Investors, business people, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarians, and frontline heroes are eligible for this visa, according to the official portal of the UAE government.

This week, several Indian media outlets, including the Press Trust of India and The Hindu, reported that the UAE government has launched a “new nomination-based visa policy” under which Indian nationals can obtain a lifetime golden visa by paying just a fee of Dh100,000.

The Times of India reported that the new scheme is in a pilot phase and is currently open to applicants from India and Bangladesh, with over 5,000 Indian applications expected in the first three months. Dubai-based Gulf News reported on Monday that Bangladeshi nationals can apply for a golden visa remotely if they meet the criteria.

However, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied rumors circulating in some local and international media outlets and websites that the UAE is offering lifetime golden visas to certain nationalities.

The ICP clarified that the specific categories, conditions, and regulations for the Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislation, and ministerial decisions.

According to WAM, the ICP stressed that all Golden Visa applications are processed only through official channels within the UAE, and no internal or external consulting bodies are considered authorized parties in the process.

The federal body said that it had recently observed reports from an overseas-based consulting office, which claimed that lifetime Golden Visas for all categories can be obtained from outside the UAE on convenient terms.

The WAM report added that these claims are not based on any legal basis and were made without any coordination with the relevant authorities, with the federal authority reiterating its commitment to providing a safe and transparent environment for applicants.

In addition, it was also stated that legal action will be taken against those entities that try to illegally collect money from individuals who want to live a dignified and secure life in the UAE by spreading false information.

The federal authority appealed to individuals who wish to visit, reside, or invest in the UAE not to pay attention to rumors and false news, which are only aimed at gaining quick profits.

Furthermore, such individuals should refrain from providing fees or personal documents to any unauthorized party.