✈️ Dreaming of Dubai? It Just Turned Into a Nightmare for Many
Over the past few days, social media and several news outlets were flooded with one unbelievable claim:
“The UAE is offering a lifetime Golden Visa to Indians for just ₹23 lakh!”
Sounds like the golden ticket to a tax-free dream life, right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
🧨 The Viral Lie: What Was Being Promised?
A Dubai-based consultancy (Rayad Group) claimed that:
- Indians and Bangladeshis could now get a lifetime UAE Golden Visa
- All for a one-time payment of ₹23.3 lakh (~AED 100,000)
- No need for investments, just a “nomination-based” fast-track offer
They even claimed support from VFS Global, a popular name in visa processing.
The rumor spread like wildfire, and many unsuspecting people began reaching out and paying in hopes of a permanent escape.
🛑 The Truth: UAE Government Officially Denies It
Within days, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) released a clear statement:
❌ “There is no such thing as a one-time, lifetime UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 lakh.”
That’s not all:
- VFS Global denied any involvement
- The consultancy behind the claim apologized publicly
- And several visa agents were called out for misleading promotions
🤯 Why This Scam Worked
People fell for it because:
- Golden Visa programs do exist in UAE, Europe, and other countries
- The offer sounded “too real to question”
- Trusted names were mentioned
- It preyed on the middle class dream: escape India’s taxes, work remotely from Dubai, or retire early in luxury
🔍 What Is the Real UAE Golden Visa?
- Introduced in 2019
- Offered to:
- High net-worth investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Scientists, artists, professionals, and students with exceptional records
- Valid for 5 or 10 years, not forever
- Requires fulfilling clear eligibility and often an investment or salary threshold
🚫 There is no such thing as a “lifetime Golden Visa” for a flat fee
💡 Don’t Get Fooled: How to Stay Safe
If you’re planning to relocate abroad, always:
- ✅ Use official websites:
- UAE’s ICP Portal: icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
- ✅ Avoid “guaranteed” or “fast-track” schemes
- ✅ Never transfer money to consultancies unless everything is transparent and legal
- ✅ Ask questions — if it sounds too easy, it’s probably fake
😢 Already Got Scammed?
If you or someone you know paid money for this fake offer:
- Contact local cybercrime authorities
- Collect email, invoice, and WhatsApp chat proof
- Report the fraud on cybercrime.gov.in
📣 Final Thought: There’s No Shortcut to Residency
This fake visa scam is a reminder that scammers are getting smarter, and so must we.
At PaisaPadho, we believe in financial wisdom before financial freedom.
If you’re considering moving abroad — do it smartly, legally, and safely.
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